In the wake of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, the Chinese Government published China's Agenda 21-White Paper on China's Population, Environment and Development in the 21st Century as a platform document for guiding the country's social and economic development. That document marked the beginning of the sustainable development process in China.

To help implement the sustainable development strategy, this Program of Action for Sustainable Development in China in the Early 21st Century (hereinafter referred to as the "Program") is hereby promulgated. This Program, based on past achievements and experience and taking into account new requirements for sustainable development in the new century, specifies the objectives, principles, priority areas and safeguard measures for the country's sustainable development in the early 21st century.

Part I: Achievements and Problems

Part II: Guidelines, Objectives and Principles

Part III: Priority Areas

Part IV: Safeguard Measures