Federica Monti

Chinese Environmental Protection: Between National Laws and Governance System

Abstract nPurpose nThis chapter investigates and explores the array of political and social factors which influence the Chinese system of environmental protection, shedding light on the Chinese political and juridical process in constructing a stricter and more incisive legal framework. n n nMethodology/approach nStarting by observing national macroeconomic data, this chapter explores how the Chinese governance system affects the implementation of the legal framework of environmental protection. In addition, it also traces a brief panorama of the most important laws framing environmental protection in China. n n nFindings nOver the years, the Chinese environmental protection system has been strongly affected by the national multilayered governance system. Nevertheless, the initiative launched by China (more intensively starting from the 11th five-year plan) to build a more virtuous environmental protection system now seems to be returning positive results, in both the renewed legal framework and – even more so – in the attempt (through addressing environmental issues) to reform the entire apparatus of national governance. n n nPractical implications nThe multi-structured national system, which hides conflicting political and economic interests at central and local levels, represents one of the biggest problems for China. This chapter argues that only through a deep reform of the national management scheme can China really guarantee a better future for its environment. n n nOriginality/value nLiterature on Chinese environmental protection tends more often to investigate the legal aspect when edifying its environmental legal framework. Very few studies combine economic data and political analysis when studying the Chinese legal framework and its implementation.

China's legal framework for pharmaceutical products: challenges and opportunities for EU companies

It is unanimously recognised in the literature that although the Chinese pharmaceutical market offers huge opportunities to European industry, it poses several challenges regarding compliance with the laws governing this sector. Because of the different legal traditions, a peculiar public health history and culture, and a different system of healthcare, EU companies have faced many barriers in accessing the Chinese pharmaceutical market over the years. In order to provide a better understanding of the Chinas regulatory landscape and its emerging trends, the article focuses on three critical legal topics, which are relevant for the business of EU pharmaceutical companies in the Chinese market: drug registration, drug distribution system, and IP rights protection.