[Policy Update] State Council Issues Opinions on Improving the Natural Resource Asset Management System

📰 News Highlight

Recently, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council officially issued the "Opinions on Improving the Natural Resource Asset Management System" (the "Opinions").

⚙️ Core Components

1.       2030 Medium-Term Objectives: By 2030, China aims to establish a more robust institutional system. Key goals include clarifying duty-bearing entities, maintaining a comprehensive asset inventory, strengthening overall protection, and optimizing asset allocation.

2.       2035 Long-Term Architecture: By 2035, the management mechanisms for natural resource assets are slated to operate seamlessly. A fully established, systematic institutional framework will drive a comprehensive elevation in nationwide management.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Clarifying Eco-Asset Property Rights: By positioning property rights reform at the core, the policy provides the legal clarity needed to monetize natural capital.

2.       Strengthened Spatial Governance and Resource Allocation: The emphasis on "clearing the asset inventory" and enforcing strict spatial planning means land-use, forestry, water, and mineral resource approvals will face tighter oversight.

3.       Institutionalizing Ecological Accountability: The introduction of enhanced evaluation and supervision mechanisms will hold local authorities directly accountable for the preservation and efficient utilization of natural assets within their jurisdictions.

[Market Update] 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance Held in Shanghai

📰 News Highlight

The 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance has recently convened in Shanghai. President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech advocating four key principles: openness and win-win cooperation, risk awareness, inclusiveness, and solidarity.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organization: The signing of the WAICO treaty solidifies Shanghai as a global hub for AI governance and multilateral cooperation.

2.       Top-Level Frameworks for AI Development and Ethics: China launched two complementary national policy instruments: the NDRC’s Action Plan for AI Cooperation and Development and the MIIT-led Action Plan for International AI Ethical Governance.

[Carbon Market]

During July 20 – July 24, the total transaction volume of Carbon Emission Allowances (CEA) in the Chinese National Carbon Market reached 2,208,149 tons, with a total transaction value of USD 29,799,751.49. The highest price was USD 13.84/ton, and the lowest price was USD 13.30/ton. For bulk agreement transactions, the volume was 1,415,021 tons, with a transaction value of USD 19,050,043.59.