This report aims to enhance understanding of policy formation on climate change issues in China.

Its primary aim is to identify the key organisations within and outside China's government responsible for shaping its climate policies. The authors argue that China's climate policies are developed based on a consensus of stakeholders inside and outside government that are led by a dominant agency of government. In most cases, the dominant agency is the National Development and Reform Commission, which has formal responsibility for leading and organising China's international climate negotiations efforts. The Commissions profile includes economic development. The most important examples highlighted of stakeholders outside of government that influence the formation of China's climate policies are state-owned industry, exerting influence through economic power, and expert organisations such as China’s major universities, exerting influence through their power to evaluate options and legitimate political and economic positions.