In a recent interview, General Secretary Xi Jinping highlighted the critical role of prioritizing the construction of a beautiful China in the context of national development and rejuvenation. He asserted, “We aim to significantly enhance urban and rural living environments and achieve great strides in building a beautiful China, while underpinning high-quality development with a robust ecological framework.”
Taking a closer look at Shaanxi, one can witness a remarkable transformation of the landscape from arid yellow to vibrant green, crowned by the majestic Qinling Mountains. The province showcases a forest coverage rate exceeding 45%, underscoring its dedication to ecological preservation.
Meanwhile, in Jiangxi, known for its picturesque rivers and lakes, the government is firmly committed to cultivating a beautiful province and advancing its ecological civilization. Notably, it has attained class II water quality in ten sections of the Yangtze River and thirty-three sections along the Gan River.
Fujian, characterized by its mountains and coastline, is devoted to a green development strategy that emphasizes ecological preservation and integrates land and sea management. Its population, which makes up about 3% of the national total, contributes 4.3% of China’s economic output while utilizing only 1.3% of the land and consuming 3% of the energy resources nationwide.
Yunnan, celebrated for its rich ecosystems, is swiftly embracing a green development model that harmonizes ecological value with economic gain. In the first half of this year alone, local governments reported a remarkable air quality index of 98.2% across various cities.
The push for Chinese-style modernization promotes a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, green development has become integral to all facets of economic and social progress under Xi Jinping’s leadership. Throughout the country, regions are diligently striving for ecological civilization and advancing green development patterns to meet China’s green and low-carbon goals.
Efforts to enhance and protect green spaces are underway, reinforcing ecological foundations for future generations. Xi reiterated, “To uphold national ecological security, sustain the development of the Chinese nation, and meet our responsibilities to human civilization, we must bolster ecological protection and restoration, leaving our descendants with an unspoiled environment.”
A healthy ecological environment is viewed as the cornerstone of public welfare. From the winding Yellow River to the mighty Yangtze and the towering mountains to the expansive seas, China is making significant strides in pollution control and enhancing ecological quality, fostering a more harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
In Jiujiang City, Jiangxi, the Yangtze River’s 152-kilometer shoreline exemplifies effective environmental management, where treated wastewater supports fish populations, according to senior environmental expert Tang Anzhong from Sinopec. Similarly, in Fujian’s Xiamen, marine ecological protection is thriving, evidenced by the return of egrets and high water quality in coastal regions.
Initiatives to protect both land and water are being developed, such as Yunnan’s river-lake protection system and projects in Shaanxi that focus on watershed conservation.
Biodiversity is also on the rise, with endangered species recovering in various areas. Enhanced environmental measures are yielding positive outcomes, resulting in clearer skies, lush landscapes, and cleaner waters.
Moreover, initiatives aimed at cultivating livable urban and rural spaces are gaining traction. Residents of Fujian and Shaanxi express their joy over the stunning natural beauty surrounding them, thanks to local governance efforts that harmonize community needs with environmental aesthetics.
From a broader perspective, various regions and departments are committed to precise, scientific, and lawful pollution control measures, leading to improvements in ecological indicators across the nation.
As we progress further into a comprehensive green transformation in economic and social development, Xi emphasized the necessity of balancing economic growth with ecological protection. He highlighted that enhancing environmental quality can simultaneously drive productivity.
The concept of greening the economy is vital. By optimizing land usage and accelerating industrial upgrades, China is discovering sustainable methods to strengthen its economic base while upholding high environmental standards.
Key ecological protection measures are being implemented, including strict regulations surrounding national parks and collaborative efforts across regions to safeguard crucial waterways.
China’s green energy market is thriving, with companies increasingly adopting advanced technologies aimed at maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact, demonstrating the industry’s evolution to meet ecological standards while maintaining economic viability.
As Xi pointed out, generating economic value from ecological assets requires a robust institutional framework to foster sustainable practices. Communities are innovatively utilizing ecological resources, moving away from short-term profits toward long-term sustainability.
In conclusion, through a steadfast commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable growth, China aims to transform its green landscapes into valuable economic resources, paving the way for a modern society where both humanity and nature flourish together.