Writing a New Chapter in Water Governance for the Chinese Nation: Insights from Xi Jinping’s Water Governance in China

Water is the mother of all life, the basis of survival of all living organisms, and the source of civilization for humanity. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Party Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, has embraced a profound, strategic vision for water governance—one rooted in the twin imperatives of securing the perpetual rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and safeguarding the enduring stability of the state. Anchored in the principle of placing the people’s well-being above all else and recognizing the fundamental significance of water governance, the leadership has charted a new course for water governance. This vision weaves together a comprehensive strategy: the prevention and control of water-related disasters, the conservation of precious water resources, the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, and the improvement of water environment management. Together, these efforts have significantly bolstered the nation’s capacity to safeguard water security.

The recently published volume, Water Governance in China, authored by General Secretary Xi Jinping, brings together 297 of his pivotal statements, organized into six thematic sections. A thorough study of these statements offers profound insights into the integrated governance of water resources, water-related disasters, aquatic ecosystems, and the water environment on the new journey in the New Era. Furthermore, it promotes harmony between humanity and water, forming a solid cornerstone for building a modern socialist country in all respects.

I. Strengthening the Party’s Leadership over Water Governance to Secure a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects

Humanity thrives near water, and civilizations are born alongside it. As Xi Jinping noted, “In a certain sense, to manage water is to govern the nation. The principles of water governance are integral to the principles of national governance. This interconnectedness underscores the Party’s responsibility to elevate awareness of water-related risks and challenges, treating water security as a matter of the sustainable development of the Chinese nation.” The first thematic section of Watch Governance in China delves deeply into Xi Jinping’s reflections on this critical subject.

We must steadfastly uphold the centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee and refine the institutional framework for water governance. The CPC has always prioritized water governance as a cornerstone of national development. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have undertaken monumental and transformative efforts, addressing critical challenges. From the call to “ensure the proper management of the Yellow River” to the determination to “harness the Huai River,” from the Dazhai model of improving land and managing water resources to the indomitable spirit of the Red Flag Canal, where mountains were carved to channel water, and from the grandeur of the Three Gorges Dam, bringing a “calm lake amidst towering gorges,” to the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, we have continuously written new chapters in the history of the Chinese nation: taming water to secure the land and harnessing its power to benefit the people.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core has taken bold steps to address pressing challenges and plan for the long term. New philosophies, strategies, and initiatives have emerged, advancing ecological civilization and institutional reform. These include a comprehensive approach to managing water resources, ecosystems, environments, and disasters. Through these concerted efforts, we have waged resolute battles for blue skies, clean waters, and unpolluted lands, restoring to the people the idyllic vision of clear waters, verdant shores, and fish gliding in the shallows. To fulfill the strategic tasks set forth by the Central Committee and ensure water security and sustainability, we must unwaveringly adhere to these guiding principles and mandates.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that the framework for water governance is an integral pillar of the broader ecological civilization system. Water governance is neither the responsibility of a single sector nor a task that can be tackled in isolation. It demands a holistic, systemic perspective to uncover innovative solutions. The outdated, piecemeal approach of “treating headaches when the head aches and feet when the feet ache,” fragmented management, and mutual obstruction must give way to coordinated planning, integrated policies, and collective action. Ecological civilization must be advanced comprehensively—across all sectors, regions, and stages of development.

Standing at this new historical juncture, we must adapt to the evolving landscape of water governance, adopt a farsighted perspective, and align with the principles of high-quality development to perfect our water governance systems. This means balancing economic growth with the preservation of ecological integrity, ensuring that we achieve both “golden mountains and silver mountains” and “clear waters and green mountains.” Above all, we must safeguard the foundational resources that ensure the enduring vitality and sustainable development of the Chinese nation.

Water security is a matter of profound importance to the enduring peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation. A crisis in rivers or water sources signifies not only an environmental crisis but also an existential threat to the survival of the nation itself. The stark reality of China’s water conditions—severe temporal and spatial imbalances in water distribution and the frequent occurrence of floods and droughts—has shaped the course of its history. The country’s unique geography and agricultural heritage have made water governance indispensable to the survival, development, and unity of the Chinese nation.

Today, the demands of modern China—its vast territory, industrial expansion, modernization of agriculture, and rapid urbanization—have placed unprecedented pressure on water resources. Water has become one of the nation’s scarcest resources, a key constraint on environmental quality, and a critical challenge to the sustainable development of the economy and society.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has underscored the urgency of addressing water issues through a comprehensive strategy: strict prevention at the source, rigorous management throughout the process, and severe accountability for consequences. Both symptoms and root causes must be addressed through a multi-pronged approach, driving steady progress toward the vision of blue skies and clean waters. This is a task that benefits the nation, the people, and future generations. It must not remain a lofty slogan spoken with fervor but acted upon with indifference.

The General Secretary has further emphasized that water resource management must be deeply embedded in the framework of Chinese modernization. Plans for population distribution as well as urban and industrial development in accordance with the water resources available. From the perspective of ensuring long-term peace and stability—and with a profound sense of responsibility to history—we must approach water governance with vision and resolve.

Ensuring the integrated management of water-related disasters, resources, ecology, and the environment to fortify national water security in its entirety

As China’s economy and society advance, enduring challenges to water security demand resolution, while emerging threats grow increasingly acute and complex. The persistent issues stem from the uneven temporal and spatial distribution of water resources, shaped by the forces of geography and climate, and the consequent prevalence of water-related disasters. Simultaneously, new challenges such as water scarcity, ecological degradation, and environmental pollution have taken center stage. These old and new dilemmas intertwine, creating a complex tapestry of water governance that demands innovative solutions and presents unprecedented challenges.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has underscored the necessity of embracing fresh paradigms, objectives, and missions in water governance. A systemic perspective is vital—one that integrates the development, utilization, management, allocation, conservation, and protection of water resources. It is paramount to harmonize water use across production, daily life, and ecological needs while addressing the dynamic tensions between resource expansion and conservation, pollution discharge and remediation. Only through such a holistic lens can the imperative of national water security be truly realized.

Addressing water pollution and safeguarding the water environment requires a comprehensive, coordinated strategy. This entails unifying efforts across riverbanks, upstream and downstream regions, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, surface and groundwater sources, rivers and seas, as well as ecological conservation and pollution control. By harmonizing these interconnected elements, systemic water governance can achieve optimal outcomes.

A unified approach integrating water resource management, ecological preservation, and environmental restoration is indispensable. Efforts must intensify to protect and govern major rivers and lakes, including the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Accelerating the standardization of water source construction and establishing backup water supply systems are critical to ensuring the safety of drinking water in both urban and rural areas.

Urban sewage collection and treatment infrastructure must also be improved, with localized solutions tailored to internal pollution management and ecological restoration. The ultimate goal is to eradicate black and odorous water bodies in urban and rural areas while establishing sustainable mechanisms to prevent their reemergence. A water-ecology assessment system should be developed, alongside strengthened protection and restoration of water source conservation areas and ecological buffer zones. Ensuring ecological flows in rivers and lakes is imperative for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Furthermore, the integration of land and sea governance must continue, with a focus on the comprehensive management of key marine areas. Using bays as fundamental units, targeted strategies for pollution prevention, ecological restoration, and shoreline improvement must be implemented. This will steadily enhance the quality and stability of critical marine ecosystems, such as mangrove forests. Simultaneously, initiatives like “Beautiful Rivers and Lakes” and “Beautiful Bays” must progress with vigor.

Preserving, inheriting, and promoting water culture

Water occupies a profound place within Chinese culture, symbolizing life, resilience, and harmony. The Yellow River culture, Yangtze River culture, and Grand Canal culture are cornerstones of China’s rich cultural tapestry—timeless emblems of the Chinese nation and civilization. It is essential to uncover the contemporary significance of these cultural heritages, preserving the invaluable legacy passed down by our ancestors. By narrating the “Yellow River Story” with depth and nuance, we can sustain the historical continuity of our cultural identity and fortify the nation’s cultural confidence.

Efforts to protect, inherit, and promote the Yangtze River culture are equally vital. This involves safeguarding the cultural relics and heritage sites associated with the Yangtze, exploring their profound historical and cultural meanings, and fostering the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional culture. Similarly, the Grand Canal’s cultural heritage must be preserved in tandem with ecological enhancement, the restoration of historic cities and towns along its route, and the harmonious integration of cultural tourism and modern canal navigation. In this way, the ancient waterway can be reinvigorated with new life and relevance.

China’s long-standing tradition of water governance is a testament to its ingenuity and resilience. Projects such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Zhengguo Canal, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal exemplify remarkable achievements in the history of water governance, distinguished by their longevity, scale, and societal benefits. These ancient masterpieces have left an indelible mark on both Chinese and global water governance history.

In the modern era, the Party has cultivated a distinctive spirit of water governance, exemplified by the “Red Flag Canal Spirit” and the “Spirit of Flood Relief.” These enduring legacies are etched into the collective memory of the Chinese people, serving as a source of inspiration across generations. It is essential to instill these ideals in the people, especially the young people: socialism is forged through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. On the new journey toward achieving the Second Centenary Goal, we must make the contribution of our generation.

II. Water Management as a Pillar of Livelihood and Governance

General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated that throughout history and across civilizations, the governance of water has been a cornerstone of statecraft. It is essential to balance development and security, guided by the principles of “People First” and “Life First.” Vigilance must be maintained to detect and mitigate water security risks, with robust preparations in place for severe floods, prolonged droughts, and major disasters. A comprehensive enhancement of disaster prevention and response capabilities is vital to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of the people. The second section of Water Governance in China compiles General Secretary Xi Jinping’s seminal insights on this topic.

Green hills and clear waters form the bedrock of human happiness and well-being. As economic and social development advances and living standards continue to rise, the public’s yearning for ecological goods—such as fresh air, clean water, and unspoiled natural surroundings—has become both urgent and profound. The environment, once a backdrop to daily life, has now emerged as a cornerstone of the public’s happiness index. General Secretary Xi Jinping has observed that a sound ecological environment is not only the most equitable public good but also the most inclusive form of well-being. While the pursuit of material wealth is essential, the preservation of green hills and clear waters is indispensable to a truly fulfilling life—something no amount of money can substitute. For what comfort can wealth bring if the air is unfit to breathe or the water too polluted to drink?

We must rise to meet the people’s expectations for a healthy environment, embracing and practicing the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” By upholding the fundamental national policies of resource conservation and environmental protection, we should protect the eco-environment as we protect our eyes, and cherish it as we cherish our own lives. We should lay the groundwork for long-term benefits, take concrete steps to protect nature and restore the ecosystems to provide the people with a productive and livable environment. We should make it possible for people to enjoy the natural landscape and retain their love of nature, while returning serenity, harmony and beauty back to nature.

Building water projects that serve the people

Constructing water conservancy projects that benefit the people has always been a priority for the Party, recognizing that water is not only the lifeline of agriculture but also the foundation of economic and social development. As the old saying goes, “Fertile soil without water leaves one weeping at the sky, but water without fertilizer yields only half a harvest.” General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that to break free from dependence on the whims of nature, the key lies in the large-scale development of farmland irrigation systems. This requires a dual focus: addressing major water conservancy projects—the “arteries” of the system—and extending efforts to the “capillaries” at the field level, ensuring the “last kilometer” of irrigation. At the same time, attention must be given to combating agricultural and rural pollution, improving the management of land and water resources, and purifying the environment in which crops are grown.

In February 2013, during an inspection of the Tao River Water Diversion Project in Weiyuan County, Gansu Province, General Secretary Xi Jinping remarked, “The well-being of the people comes first, and water governance is paramount. We must respect science, make prudent decisions, and execute projects with care.” He called for ensuring the success of this “dream-fulfilling” and livelihood-enhancing project, which would enable millions of people in Gansu to access clean and sweet water from the Tao River as swiftly as possible. In September 2024, during another visit to Gansu, General Secretary Xi reviewed the progress of the project. Learning that nearly six million residents had finally bid farewell to saline and bitter water, he expressed profound satisfaction, declaring, “The Tao River Water Diversion Project has been excellently executed, addressing a pressing need. We should undertake more projects like this—projects that deliver real benefits to the people and address the urgent challenges of their daily lives.”

Channeling our efforts into resolving the most pressing ecological and environmental issues that directly impact people’s lives and continuing the resolute fight for clean water

Problems such as black and odorous water bodies and rural environmental degradation weigh heavily on the public’s mind and must be treated as priorities in enhancing livelihoods. General Secretary Xi Jinping has remarked that even the smallest matters that benefit the people must be addressed, just as the smallest harms to their well-being must be eradicated. To win the battle against pollution, we must focus on a series of landmark campaigns.

The comprehensive implementation of the Ten Water Governance Principles is essential, aiming to secure the safety of drinking water and significantly reduce heavily polluted water bodies. By advancing the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, we must adopt integrated approaches that tackle pollution at its source, address system-wide challenges, and implement holistic solutions. Key initiatives include protecting water sources, managing urban black and odorous water bodies, restoring the ecological health of the Bohai Sea, and safeguarding the Yangtze River. Among these, eliminating urban black and odorous water bodies must remain a central focus of water pollution control.

To achieve these goals, we must adhere to principles of holistic planning, precision governance, scientific management, and law-based administration. Efforts should aim to establish fully operational wastewater collection and treatment networks as swiftly as possible. By applying the highest standards, we can triumph in the defense of blue skies, clean waters, and unpolluted lands, using environmental stewardship of the highest caliber to drive high-quality development and elevate the quality of life for all.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has also underscored that the safety of drinking water is the most fundamental baseline for people’s lives. Guaranteeing both the quality and sustainable use of groundwater is a critical ecological and livelihood issue. Comprehensive oversight must extend across the entire chain—from water sources to treatment plants, distribution networks, and end-users. Protected areas for water sources must be strictly designated and enforced, illegal projects and discharge points within these zones must be eliminated, and water quality monitoring in rural areas must be strengthened. Preventing groundwater pollution is imperative and requires rigorous supervision from the source to the tap. Only through such efforts can we ensure that all residents, whether urban or rural, enjoy access to clean, safe drinking water.

Prioritizing the protection of the people’s lives and property and strengthening flood control and disaster mitigation capabilities

China, as one of the nations most profoundly impacted by natural disasters, faces an enduring obligation to prioritize disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that the success of these efforts stands as a critical measure of a ruling party’s leadership, a government’s executive capacity, a nation’s mobilization strength, and the unity of its people. It is crucial to safeguard lives and property above all else, ensuring that everyone with responsibility does their best to fulfill their duties. This requires rigorous disaster risk assessments and the proactive elimination of hidden hazards, ensuring readiness for all potential emergencies, and striving to minimize losses of every kind. Guided by the principle of prioritizing prevention while integrating prevention, resistance, and relief, we must harmonize routine disaster mitigation with extraordinary disaster response measures. It is imperative to accelerate the enhancement of flood control infrastructure and emergency management systems.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has reiterated the need for heightened efforts in the aftermath of major floods and disasters, advocating for a bold and systematic strengthening of water conservancy and flood control infrastructure. Humanity has encroached upon rivers and denied floodwaters their natural pathways; in turn, floods, when they come, will show no mercy. Long-term planning, rooted in scientific understanding, must intertwine post-disaster recovery with high-quality development, resilient city-building, rural revitalization, and ecological conservation. This includes refining flood control standards and optimizing the construction and management of reservoirs and other pivotal water control projects.

Investments in disaster preparedness and mitigation systems must be resolute and unrestrained. It is better to prevent ten potential disasters—even if nine never materialize—than to be caught unprepared once. In particularly vulnerable regions, we must prepare for disasters with a magnitude that occurs only once in a century, thereby significantly bolstering our capacity to withstand and respond to floods and other calamities.

III. Prioritizing Water Conservation, Spatial Balance, Integrated Governance, and Dual Efforts in Water Governance

General Secretary Xi Jinping has underscored the necessity of a paradigm shift in water governance, guided by the principles of “prioritizing water conservation, spatial balance, integrated governance, and dual efforts.” These tenets demand the cohesive integration of disaster prevention, water conservation, ecological restoration, and water environmental governance, well-being of the people. The third section of Water Governance in China compiles General Secretary Xi Jinping’s seminal insights on this topic.

Upholding and implementing the principle of prioritizing water conservation

Water conservation is a virtue of profound historical and national significance. In light of China’s specific water conditions, a rapid transition from extensive water usage to a more efficient, intensive approach is not merely desirable but essential. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that effective water governance is inseparable from good governance, which requires a systemic and holistic perspective. Such governance must identify priorities, trace causes, and address root issues to propose and implement targeted solutions. Presently, water conservation stands as the most pressing priority. From shifting mindsets and raising awareness to enacting concrete measures, water conservation must take precedence in every sphere of activity. Water resources must be regarded as a rigid constraint, serving as the foundation for rational population distribution, urban planning, and industrial development.

The National Water Conservation Action Plan must be implemented comprehensively, balancing water use across production, daily life, and ecological needs. Strict controls on total water usage must be enforced, excessive consumption curtailed, and water-efficient cities and societies constructed. Addressing water scarcity begins with replenishing sources and restoring damaged ecosystems, coordinating efforts along entire watersheds—upstream and downstream, on both riverbanks, above and below ground, and across urban and rural divides. Expanding initiatives in reforestation and grassland restoration will allow rivers to breathe, lakes to flourish, and entire ecosystems to recover their vitality.

Balancing population, the economy, and resources with the environment

The carrying capacities of water resources, ecosystems, and environments are finite, governed by natural laws that cannot be ignored or overridden. General Secretary Xi Jinping has observed that the roots of water security challenges lie in humanity’s historical misunderstandings and misapplications of economic, natural, and ecological principles. For too long, water has been misperceived as a limitless resource, subordinated to unchecked economic growth. Such short-sightedness has ignored the inherent limitations of nature, leading to imbalances that now demand urgent correction.

To achieve harmony between humanity and nature—a unity of “heaven and humanity”—we must abandon the outdated ambition to “conquer nature.” This applies equally to water governance, where the mindset of “conquering water” must be replaced with one of respectful coexistence.

As we advance new models of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural modernization, the carrying capacities of water resources and ecosystems must serve as inviolable benchmarks. As the adage wisely reminds us, “You can only soak as much bread as there is soup.” Policies must align with the limits imposed by water availability, ensuring that population growth, urban expansion, industrial activities, and ecological restoration remain in balance with the constraints of water resources. We must uphold the principles of balancing population, resources, and the environment while unifying economic, social, and ecological benefits. The rational utilization of water resources must take precedence, making plans for afforestation, population distribution as well as urban and industrial development in accordance with the water resources available. The carrying capacities of water resources, water ecology, and the water environment must be recognized as immutable constraints, woven into every facet of reform, development, and stability.

Pursuing integrated conservation and management of mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, grassland and desert ecosystems

This intricate web of ecosystems forms an inseparable whole, where each element is tightly interwoven and mutually sustaining. General Secretary Xi Jinping has underscored that water must not be managed in isolation but addressed within the broader context of natural ecosystems. A systems-oriented perspective is indispensable—rooted in the integrity of ecosystems—to harmonize water governance with the management of mountains, forests, and farmlands. Greater emphasis must be placed on holistic, systemic, and source-based governance, establishing an overarching framework for ecological protection stretching from mountaintops to the seas. Forests, lakes, and wetlands, as nature’s reservoirs, play a pivotal role in retaining water, mitigating floods, preventing droughts, and purifying both air and water.

Strict controls on the use of ecological spaces must be enforced with unwavering resolve. Regulations on farmland use must remain stringent while extending equally to forests, grasslands, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. By safeguarding ecological redlines, we enable systematic oversight of all natural domains—mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, and grassland ecosystems—ensuring comprehensive regulation at every stage, from preemptive measures to concurrent management and post-event enforcement.

Synergizing government action and market mechanisms

The synergy of government intervention and market mechanisms must be fully harnessed to secure the safety of water resources. Whether through ecological restoration, expanding ecological spaces, water conservation, or pollution control, this endeavor demands the combined strength of both sectors. General Secretary Xi has emphasized that water, as a public good, necessitates firm and deliberate government action. Regulation, where needed, must be decisive, effective, and unyielding. Water governance is a core governmental duty, and success lies in reform and innovation to build a robust institutional framework. Without clear definitions of property rights and responsibilities, conservation efforts will falter, and initiatives such as water rights trading and pollution discharge permits, essential for water conservation and pollution control, will struggle to gain traction.

While government departments focus on routine investment and management, greater attention must be paid to institutional design. A comprehensive framework for taxation, pricing, and compensation mechanisms must differentiate between producers and consumers, drinking water and wastewater, surface water and groundwater, urban and rural uses, as well as industrial and agricultural applications. Integrated policies—encompassing water resource taxes, raw water fees, tap water charges, and wastewater treatment fees—should be meticulously developed. Mechanisms for compensating the protection of key ecological regions, such as major rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ecological redlines, must be advanced. A sustainable investment system for ecological protection and restoration should be established, alongside the rigorous enforcement of ecological damage compensation. These measures will ensure that those safeguarding and restoring ecosystems are justly rewarded.

IV. Accelerating the Construction of the National Water Network

The construction of the national water network and a modern, high-quality water infrastructure network to address challenges related to water resources, water ecology, water environments, and water-related disasters represents a monumental strategic initiative led by the Party Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core. Once completed, this national water network will stand as a landmark achievement in the Chinese nation’s centuries-long endeavor to manage water resources, etching its legacy into history for generations to come. General Secretary Xi has called for a comprehensive enhancement of water security, with a focus on optimizing resource allocation systems and improving mechanisms for flood prevention and disaster mitigation. By integrating existing infrastructure with new developments and fostering interconnectivity, the construction of the national water network’s core framework and arteries must be expedited. This vision resonates profoundly in the fourth thematic section of Water Governance in China.

Scientifically implementing water diversion projects to optimize resource allocation

Historically, China’s hydrological reality has been marked by summer floods and winter droughts, an abundance of water in the south but scarcity in the north, and an uneven temporal and spatial distribution of resources. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, landmark projects such as the Three Gorges Dam and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project have become the backbone of national water infrastructure. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, several major inter-basin and inter-regional water diversion projects have been successfully completed. General Secretary Xi has meticulously summarized the valuable lessons derived from these endeavors, emphasizing the importance of adopting a nationwide perspective, pooling resources for major undertakings, respecting objective laws, and ensuring coordination through planning. Equal priority must be given to water conservation and pollution control, with resource allocation executed precisely and effectively. As future water diversion projects advance, these principles must guide every step. To advance the scientific implementation of water diversion projects, it is paramount to prioritize water conservation and enforce stringent constraints on water resource utilization. Building on this foundation, a balanced and integrated approach must be adopted to reinforce both demand and supply management. This necessitates a nuanced reconciliation of expansion and conservation, the interplay between existing stock and incremental growth, and the dynamic relationships across temporal and spatial dimensions. Equally vital is the imperative to harmonize development with preservation, and utilization with restoration, by firmly establishing water-saving measures as the cornerstone for water-receiving regions. Investments in infrastructure must be meticulously aligned with their anticipated returns, while pollution prevention and ecological protection along water transfer routes and in water-receiving areas must remain unyielding priorities. Furthermore, the accelerated construction of the national water network’s primary framework and main arteries stands as an essential endeavor.

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project is a monumental strategic infrastructure initiative of profound significance to the nation’s economy and the well-being of its people. The stark disparity between the water-scarce north and the water-abundant south epitomizes China’s unique hydrological reality. In response, the Party and the state launched the South-to-North Water Diversion Project to allocate water resources scientifically, fostering equilibrium and sustainable development between these regions. General Secretary Xi Jinping has underscored the project’s strategic importance, describing it as a linchpin of national imperatives, long-term development, and public welfare. Securing the project’s safety, water supply, and water quality must be approached with the utmost political resolve, recognizing the initiative as a lifeline for the nation. The new development philosophy—comprehensiveness, precision, and holistic integration—must be rigorously upheld. Guided by the pursuit of high-quality development, efforts should seamlessly integrate growth and security, adhering to a water management paradigm that emphasizes conservation, spatial balance, systemic governance, and the dual imperatives of supply and demand. Major water conservancy projects must adhere to the principles of necessity, ecological safety, and sustainability, with a focus on basin-wide integration and equitable spatial allocation of water resources. Their planning and construction must be advanced with scientific rigor to ensure the efficient and economical use of water resources. Moreover, water-saving initiatives in the north must be synergistically integrated with the execution of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, maintaining an unwavering dual focus on water transfer and conservation.

Accelerating the modernization of water infrastructure

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Party has led the people in monumental water conservancy efforts, forging the most extensive and far-reaching water infrastructure system in the world, benefiting the largest population globally. General Secretary Xi Jinping has noted that infrastructure serves as the vital foundation for economic and social development. Interconnected infrastructure in domains such as transportation, energy, and water conservancy constitutes the backbone of a unified national market. Therefore, efforts must intensify to enhance connectivity, optimize networks, and fortify critical links, thereby elevating the efficiency and resilience of these systems. The modernization of water infrastructure has emerged as an urgent and pressing priority.

For existing reservoirs, the principle of safety first must be upheld, necessitating strengthened risk assessments, early warning systems, and hazard mitigation measures to ensure secure operations. For new reservoirs, planning should be guided by the dual goals of protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems, underpinned by scientific design, coordinated implementation, stringent quality assurance, and orderly construction. Efforts must prioritize the safety of rivers and lakes, ecological stability, and the reinforcement of urban flood defenses. A series of foundational and pivotal projects should be devised and executed, encompassing a scientifically sound layout of reservoirs, river channels, embankments, and flood detention areas.

V. Advancing the Protection and Governance of Major Rivers and Lakes

The safeguarding of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and other major rivers and lakes is a millennial undertaking of critical importance to the rejuvenation and sustainable development of the Chinese nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping has eloquently emphasized the need to cultivate harmony between humanity and water. This vision calls for a unified approach to managing water resources, water environments, and water ecosystems, embracing systematic, comprehensive, and collaborative governance for the nation’s major rivers and lakes. The fifth section of Water Governance in China profoundly encapsulates General Secretary Xi’s pivotal insights on these matters.

Protecting the “China Water Tower” and strengthening water source conservation

To protect water sources is to safeguard our homeland. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, significant strides have been made in ecological protection and restoration projects, notably in the Three-River Source region, resulting in marked enhancements to water source conservation capacities. General Secretary Xi Jinping has underscored that protecting Qinghai’s ecological environment is a matter of national significance. As the birthplace of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers, Qinghai is revered as the “China Water Tower,” and its protection allows no room for negligence.

In unwavering adherence to the philosophy that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” it is imperative to steadfastly safeguard the “Third Pole” ecosystem of the planet. The foremost priority must remain the protection of the Three-River Source region, the preservation of biodiversity, and the enhancement of water source conservation capabilities. Strict ecological protection measures must be enacted, ensuring steadfast and sustained efforts to preserve the water source areas. Key ecological restoration projects should be implemented across critical regions, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Loess Plateau, the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the Qinling-Bashan Mountains, the Qilian Mountains, the Greater and Lesser Xing’an Mountains, the Changbai Mountains, the Nanling Mountains, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei water conservation zones. Strengthening water source conservation for major rivers, such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, is essential to ensure the perpetual flow of “clear waters eastward.”

Ensuring the restoration of the Yangtze River’s ecosystem occupies a position of paramount importance, guided by the principles of promoting well-coordinated environmental conservation and avoiding excessive development

The Yangtze River has stood as a vital pillar of the development of the Chinese nation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, has taken a comprehensive, long-term approach and put forward the development strategy for the Yangtze River Economic Belt, guided by the principles of promoting well-coordinated environmental conservation and avoiding excessive development. General Secretary Xi has profoundly asserted that the Yangtze is the “River of Life” for the Chinese nation. He has emphasized, with great urgency, that ecological restoration must take precedence above all competing concerns. It is crucial to promote well-coordinated environmental conservation and avoiding excessive development. Every economic venture along the river must be subordinate to the overarching goal of environmental protection. He declared, “The Yangtze is ill, and it is gravely ill.” Ecological restoration must serve as the cornerstone of all developmental initiatives within the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Key projects, such as the construction of protective forest systems, the mitigation of soil erosion and rocky desertification in karst landscapes, the restoration of forests and grasslands, water and soil conservation, and the rehabilitation of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, must take precedence. These efforts are aimed at revitalizing the river’s ecological functions, including water conservation and soil retention.

The Yangtze River serves as the lifeline of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. No matter how the belt’s development advances or evolves, its future will forever be linked to the nurturing embrace of the Yangtze itself. Achieving high-quality development along the Yangtze River Economic Belt demands an unwavering commitment to safeguarding a high-quality ecological environment across the entire river basin. The guiding principles of promoting well-coordinated environmental conservation and avoiding must remain inviolable.

To this end, it is essential to intensify efforts in high-level protection and build a new framework for comprehensive governance. This entails a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the water environment, ecology, resources, security, culture, and riverbanks. It is necessary to promote coordinated governance across the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, as well as its tributaries, lakes, and reservoirs, with the goal of improving the ecological environment and water functions of the river. The focus should be on enhancing ecosystem quality and stability, continuing the ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River, and ensuring that its clear waters endure for future generations, benefiting the people.

The governance of the Yellow River rests fundamentally on the principle of protection, with governance as its essential means. As the ancient saying goes, “When the Yellow River is tranquil, the nation is at peace.” For millennia, ensuring the stability of the Yellow River has been a shared aspiration of the Chinese people and a matter of profound national significance. In a broader sense, the history of the Chinese nation’s efforts to harness the Yellow River is also a chronicle of state governance. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Communist Party has led the people in opening a new chapter in the river’s management, accomplishing the extraordinary historical feat of ensuring its annual tranquility.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently demonstrated deep commitment to the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin. Personally visiting the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the river, he has emphasized that water is the lifeblood of the Yellow River. From the perspective of safeguarding the river’s stability, General Secretary Xi has called for a full recognition of the value of the Yellow River’s water, adherence to the principle of prioritizing water conservation, and the return of water to the river itself. He has also stressed the comprehensive implementation of intensive water-saving measures and the optimization of the 1987 allocation plan for water distribution.

The Yellow River Basin continues to face grave challenges. Flood risks remain the most pressing threat, while the ecological environment remains fragile, and the security of water resources is under immense pressure. These issues, while manifesting in the Yellow River, are deeply rooted in the basin as a whole. General Secretary Xi has underscored that the governance of the Yellow River rests fundamentally on the principle of protection, with governance as its essential means. He has advocated for an integrated approach to managing mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake, grassland and desert ecosystems. This strategy emphasizes systematic, source-based solutions tailored to regional conditions, with coordinated planning for upstream and downstream areas, main and tributary streams, and the river’s left and right banks. Only through joint efforts in extensive protection and synchronized advancement of governance initiatives can these challenges be effectively addressed.

In practical terms, the upper reaches of the river must enhance water conservation capacity, the middle reaches must focus on soil and water conservation alongside pollution control, and the lower reaches must restore and maintain the health of river ecosystems. Particular attention must be given to the critical “bends” of the Yellow River, a region that presents especially acute challenges. The core issue of the Yellow River’s governance lies in its imbalance of water and sediment. To ensure the river’s long-term stability, it is imperative to regulate the relationship between these two elements—a challenge that has been described as the “key link.” This involves improving mechanisms for water-sediment regulation, implementing comprehensive improvement projects for river channels and floodplains, reducing sediment deposition in the lower reaches, and ensuring the safety of those living along the river. Ultimately, the vision is to transform the Yellow River into a “river of happiness” that benefits the people.

Advancing the governance and protection of major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs

The Huai River was the first major river to undergo comprehensive and systematic governance after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, achieving remarkable results. Its flood control systems have grown increasingly robust, and its capacity for flood prevention, disaster mitigation, and resilience has steadily improved.

Similarly, for other significant rivers and lakes—such as the Hai River, Fen River, Dongting Lake, Qinghai Lake, Dianchi Lake, Erhai Lake, and Wuliangsu Lake—General Secretary Xi Jinping has issued a series of important directives. He has emphasized the need to approach governance from the perspective of ecological integrity and basin-wide systematization. This involves enhancing the management frameworks of river basins, strengthening cross-regional coordination mechanisms, and refining the organizational systems for the “river chief” and “lake chief” initiatives. Joint prevention, enforcement, and restoration efforts must be fortified, and governance must be executed with precision and dedication, guided by a long-term perspective. The ultimate goal is to leave future generations a homeland of verdant mountains, pristine waters, and unpolluted skies.

General Secretary Xi Jinping’s profound statements on water governance is visionary, rich in meaning, and deeply insightful. They form an essential component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In studying Water Governance in China, we must fully implement the guiding principles laid out at the 20th CPC National Congress and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee. We must fully implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the modernization of water governance, and chart a new path for water governance and revitalization in the New Era. This will ensure robust water security, supporting the efforts to build a great country in all respects and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.