Introduction The approach to decision making that a country takes is normally shaped by different factors. One of the most influencing factors regarding the policy stand of a nation is the political inclination of that nation and especially the country in power. The type and nature of government in place also determines the shape of the policies (Blyth, 2001). Differences in the policies depend on differences in these factors. This research paper shall delve into how policy choice differs between China and France. It shall also extend to uncover the root behind these differences. Differences between Policy choices The choice of the two countries is influenced by the fact that France is a developed country while China is still a developing nation. The two countries also have disparity in terms of the population. They have political and socioeconomic ties which are based on similar as well as divergent policies. Both France and China have bilateral ties which also impact on the policies that they implement. Factors influencing different policy choices Generally, the history as well as political ideologies between these two countries has several differences. These differences are important as they form the foundations with which the policy influences and biases evolve. The need for interdependence as well as the international politics plays a very important role in making policy decisions. International ties also shape the manner in which decision is made by different countries (Adolino & Blake, 2011). Some policies and decisions are influenced by what is at stake politically and economically. A good illustration of this is when a country fails to implement a certain policy because of the adverse effect that such a policy would have in its economic ties or when a country’s policy is actually inspired by an economic tie or international politics. Choices regarding Environmental Policy Influence from international legal framework France environmental policies are guided under the international legal framework. These frameworks therefore indirectly influence the choices that France makes when environmental issues are involved. A good illustration is given by the Kyoto protocol (which is an international legal instrument dealing with environmental issues) France and their emission of gases is not allowed to reach the level it did in 1991. This has prompted France to initiate a long term strategic policy seeking to reduce the emission. The Kyoto Protocol and its obligations On the same avenue, China is also a party to the Kyoto protocol. However, the difference from France is that China, under the Kyoto protocol, is treated as a developing country (Sengupta, 2008). This means that there are no specific obligations regarding the emissions towards the environment. As a result, their environmental decisions are guided by other factors apart from the international legal framework. These influences affect the bound countries the most. The Long term strategy The long term strategy aims at reducing the emission to a maximum 75% of the target that they have been given. They have also made a plan to ensure that energy consumption for buildings is lowered. They target to achieve a reduction of 38% by the year 2020. From the illustration it is quite obvious that international legal instruments affect th