China's National Parks: A Landscape of Ecomodernity

Underpinning China’s ecological civilization project is an emphasis on the "harmonious development of humans and nature," a vision articulated by Xi Jinping. This paper explores the interplay between nationalism and ecomodernity, often termed "green modernization" in China, focusing on national parks as critical sites of analysis. These parks represent a distinctly Chinese approach to ecomodernity, combining technological innovation with centralized governance to reconcile economic growth and environmental protection, a model deeply intertwined with national identity, pride, and China’s global ambitions. This paper explores critical questions: Are these parks primarily designed to meet international climate goals, or do they serve to consolidate state power and reinforce national pride? How effectively does China’s approach decouple economic growth from environmental harm? By analyzing the development and governance of national parks, this paper uncovers the interplay between ecomodernist ideals and nationalist aspirations. It highlights the potential and limitations of state-driven ecological modernization in an authoritarian context. This exploration contributes to a deeper understanding of how ecological modernization operates in such settings and its implications for global climate governance. Finally, the paper addresses the tension between ecological preservation and economic development, suggesting that some initiatives may prioritize optics (public perception) over substantive environmental progress.