中文

Speaker:

Mr. Zhai Qing, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and vice minister of the MEE

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy head of the International Press Bureau of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee

Date:

Oct. 21, 2022

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the fifth press conference held by the Press Center for the 20th CPC National Congress. Today, we have invited Mr. Zhai Qing, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the MEE, vice minister of the MEE and a delegate to the 20th CPC National Congress, to brief you on the topic of "building a beautiful China where humanity and nature co-exist in harmony." Now, let's give the floor to Mr. Zhai Qing for his introduction.

Zhai Qing: 

Thank you, Ms. Xing. Friends from the press, good morning. It is a pleasure to meet you all. On the occasion of the 20th CPC National Congress, it is of great significance to have this opportunity to introduce to you our understanding and implementation of the guiding principles of the congress and Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and building a beautiful China where humanity and nature co-exist in harmony. First of all, on behalf of the MEE, I would like to thank you for your long-term care, understanding and support for China's endeavors in developing an ecological civilization and protecting the environment.

The 20th CPC National Congress is a milestone in the development history of the cause of the Party and the country. The report delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the 20th CPC National Congress elaborates on the major theoretical and practical issues in adhering to and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and clearly outlines the goals, tasks and major policies for developing the cause of the Party and the country in the years ahead. It is a political declaration and program of action for the Party to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in an all-round way. The report also provides a comprehensive summary and systemic plan for the development of an ecological civilization, as well as the work in ecological conservation and environmental protection. We will study it conscientiously to gain a thorough understanding, and resolutely put it into action.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping, in light of the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, and with the acute insight, judgment and theoretical creativity of a Marxist statesman, thinker and strategist, has vigorously promoted innovation in theory, practice and institution on the development of an ecological civilization, and put forward a series of new concepts, ideas and strategies that embody both Chinese characteristics and the spirit of the times and are intended to lead the progress of human civilization, leading to the creation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is an innovation of existing theories and crystallization of past practices in the Party's unremitting exploration in advancing ecological conservation; a major outcome of adapting the basic tenets of Marxism to China's practices in pursuing ecological conservation and to its fine traditional ecological culture; a concentrated reflection of the practical and theoretical innovations in national governance by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in the area of ecological development; a shared idea asset of the human society in terms of sustainable development; and the fundamental guide for action for China to advance ecological conservation in the new era.

Over the past decade, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and acting on the idea that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, we have persisted with a holistic and systematic approach to conserving and improving mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, and desert ecosystems. This has led to historic, transformative, and comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection that are reflected in the three following "unprecedented" aspects.  

First, we have worked with unprecedented resolve. We have incorporated building a Beautiful China into the goal of building China into a great modern socialist country, advancing ecological conservation into the Five-sphere Integrated Plan, achieving harmony between humanity and nature into the basic policy for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, green development into the new development philosophy, and pollution prevention and control into the "three critical battles." All of these have fully demonstrated the importance of ecological conservation to the cause of the Party and the country, as well as our Party's firm resolve and determination to strengthen ecological protection.

Second, these changes came about through an unprecedented intensity of efforts. We have made all-round efforts in fields of theory, legislation, institution, organization, and conduct and ensured stronger ecological conservation and environmental protection across the board, in all regions, and at all times. We have made systematic plans to reform the system for ecological conservation; vigorously promoted green, circular, and low-carbon development; resolutely fought to win the battle against pollution; stepped up efforts to protect and restore ecosystems; and stayed committed to pursuing a model of sound development featuring improved production, higher living standards, and healthy ecosystems.

Third, we have made unprecedented achievements. Over the past decade, China has sustained an annual average of 6.6% economic growth with an average of 3% annual growth in energy consumption. The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities at or above the prefecture level has dropped from an annual average of 46 micrograms per cubic meter in 2015 to 30 in 2021, making us the country with the fastest improvement in air quality across the world. The proportion of water sections with good-quality surface water has reached 84.9%, close to the level of developed countries. Nationwide, soil pollution risks have been basically brought under control. With the achievements in ecological conservation and environmental protection widely recognized by the international community, China has become an important participant, contributor, and champion in advancing ecological conservation globally.

While fully acknowledging the achievements made in the past five years and the first decade of the new era with regard to China's ecological conservation, General Secretary Xi Jinping, in his report to the 20th CPC National Congress, elaborated that the Chinese path to modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature. He made major arrangements to pursue green development and promote harmony between humanity and nature, charting the course for building a beautiful China. We will fully translate the guiding principles of this congress into action, steadfastly follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and thoroughly study and act on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization so as to keep breaking new ground in our work in ecological conservation and environmental protection, promote high-quality development and a high standard of living through a high level of ecological conservation and environmental protection, and contribute to building a beautiful China and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. That is all from me. Thank you.