China Emphasizes Legal Framework for Yellow River Protection and Development

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, emphasized the importance of utilizing legal strength to promote ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. He made these remarks during an NPC Standing Committee meeting focused on an enforcement inspection of the Yellow River Protection Law.

The Yellow River, known as the "mother river" and China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, has been the subject of ongoing efforts to protect its ecology. The Yellow River Protection Law, which came into effect on April 1, 2023, serves as a crucial piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding the ecological and environmental well-being of the river basin.

Li highlighted the significance of the law in establishing a robust legal framework for protecting the Yellow River. He stressed the need for a unified approach from all levels of government to ensure the river's protection and address any challenges in implementing the law.

To achieve this, Li advocated for a problem-oriented approach, urging the inspection teams to delve into the root causes of issues and propose practical solutions. The inspection teams will conduct field inspections in seven provincial-level regions, including Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia, from June to September.

Furthermore, a symposium on the implementation of the Yellow River Protection Law will be held in Inner Mongolia, and preliminary research will be conducted in Sichuan Province, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all nine regions within the Yellow River basin. The inspection will encompass various aspects, including ecological protection and restoration, water resource conservation, water-sediment regulation, and control of floods and pollution.