.png)
How are Chinese multinational corporations shaping international (economic) law? Addressing this issue from the wider perspective about Corporate Social Responsibility, Professor Bonfanti explores the role of the de-localization processes and its fundamental significance for the international economic order, the interlinked concepts of C.S.R. and C.A. (Corporate Accountability) and how they affect the human, social and environmental rights discourse. This study aims at contributing to clarify the debate around the role of non-State actors in promoting non-trade concerns and at understanding the current economic and legislative reforms in one of the biggest economic players in our world. Historically speaking, CSR and CA are to be understood as the by-product of the increasing awareness of the international community of the dangerous effects of enterprise activities – and in particular their harmful impact on environment and labor rights. What is rightly emphasized is that while there is not in international law a treaty specifically regulating multinational corporations’ activities, there are many other conventions protecting non-trade values, that bind China, too, especially related to environmental matters, broadly understood. In a deep cultural sense, we must not underestimate, in this picture, the importance of the Chinese concept of “harmonious society” and its relationship with non-trade concerns. Indeed, the economic and legislative reforms that China has undertaken in recent years have the scope to protect more intensely the rule of law (generally) and labor rights, environmental protection, consumer rights (specifically), that could foster well-being and peace for Chinese people.
PDFPDFStay tuned for news on sustainable development, environment and climate change, international trade and human rights, Chinese issues and much more!
