The Coming China Wars: Where They Will Be Fought and How They Can Be Won, Revised and Expanded Edition

The Troubles with China’s Environmental Destruction Agency

All countries suffer internal tugs of war over how to balance the short-term costs of improving environmental protection with the long-term costs of failing to do so. But China faces an additional burden. Its environmental problems stem as much from China’s corrupt and undemocratic political system as from Beijing’s continued focus on economic growth. Local officials and business leaders routinely—and with impunity—ignore environmental laws and regulations, abscond with environmental protection funds, and silence those who challenge them.

—Elizabeth C. Economy

Why has China allowed itself to become the black lungs, yellow dust bowl, and biggest global warmer of the planet? This is an ...