China’s Green Industrial Policy and World Trade Law

This article seeks to unpack China’s green industrial policy and explore its implications for world trade law. It argues that, first, central to China’s achievements in renewable energy is the role of state-level centralized green industrial policy. Second, China’s approach to renewable energy features a pragmatic attitude of subordinating climate commitment to economic development prerogatives. China’s pro-growth mentality has also shaped the international posture of China on climate change. Third, China’s domination in green technology has raised important policy questions for world trade law. In response to China’s green industrial policy, other countries are likely to enforce trade defense measures more aggressively against China and launch their own green industrial policy as a critical part of the re-balancing effort.