Sustainable water resources management in China: An integrated approach to institutions, technology, and the circular economy

Abstract

China is facing some of the most severe water resource challenges globally, including water scarcity, increasing pollution, and intense pressure from large-scale urbanization and industrialization. Over the past five decades, China has gradually developed a sustainable water resource management model based on an integrated approach that combines institutional reform, stricter environmental standards, technological innovation in wastewater and sludge treatment, and the promotion of a circular economy. This paper systematically analyzes the transformation of China’s water governance in both thinking and practice, clarifies the three core pillars—institutions, technology, and circular economy—and draws key lessons for Vietnam and other developing countries.