2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China. In 70 years China has changed dramatically. In doing so, it has addressed many different challenges, but China faces many more challenges in the years ahead. This anniversary is a time to look to the future. This paper explores one issue which is important for that future – that of sustainable environmental protection. Action by China is essential not just for China to achieve sustainable environmental protection, but for the world to achieve this.