China’s astounding economic development already pursued for nearly three decades does not need to be documented. However, of rapidly growing concern, in China and abroad, are the environmental overall effects of such growth (Part One) and its social implications (Part Two.) In that respect, the ratification by the National People’s Congress of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan, in March 2006, constituted a turning point, a shift that has been confirmed and furthered during the session of March 2007: China intends to take the path of sustainable development. The Chinese government still fosters and foresees a high growth rate between 2006 and 2010 – it is talking about around 7.5 percent per year - while now focusing on the nature and quality of the projected growth (Part Three.) It remains to be seen how far China can evolve towards sustainable development under present conditions. (Part Four.), Benoit Vermander, Taipei, April 2007, 34 pages - 486 KB