Yicai:

Mr. Wang mentioned earlier the continuous improvement of Hebei's ecological environment. As the province with the largest steel industry, how does Hebei adhere to the principle of prioritizing ecology and green development? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your question, I will answer it. We believe that a good ecological environment is the most universal benefit for people's well-being. We also well aware that Hebei's ecological environment has been a weak point. In recent years, we have firmly embraced the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. We have resolutely prioritized ecology and green development, coordinating efforts to reduce carbon emissions, cut pollution, expand greenery and stimulate growth. We strive to achieve new breakthroughs through comprehensive green transformation. Over the past few years, we have focused on three main areas:

First, we have fought a rigorous battle against pollution. We have coordinated a multifaceted approach to reduce energy consumption, minimize coal use, enforce regulations on enterprises, control dust, limit vehicles and augment greenery. We have worked hard to safeguard blue skies, clear waters and clean soil. In 2023, the average PM 2.5 concentration across the province was 38.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a decrease of 57.6% from 2014, with 245 days of good air quality. The proportion of surface water sections that achieved excellent ratings in the national examination has remained above 80% for two consecutive years. Through our daily efforts, fighting for every microgram, the number of smoggy days in Hebei has decreased and the frequency of blue skies and white clouds has increased.

Second, we have vigorously pursued green and low-carbon transformation. We have steadfastly promoted the structural adjustment of industries, energy and transportation, and actively pursued a grade A environmental performance in key industries such as steel and coking. We have accelerated the construction of pumped storage power stations while the total installed capacity of wind power, photovoltaic power as well as with the inventory of new energy heavy trucks ranks among the highest in the country, leading to increasingly green development. Particularly in the pursuit of grade A environmental performance, we have guided enterprises towards in-depth emission reduction and low-carbon transformation through measures such as setting standards, providing technological assistance and policy incentives, significantly elevating the level of environmental protection in enterprises.

Third, we have continuously focused on ecosystem restoration. We adhere to the holistic approach to the conservation of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems. We have carried out the construction of the northern sand prevention belt and the treatment of wind and sand sources in Beijing and Tianjin, implemented ecological rectification projects in the Yan Mountains and Taihang Mountains, intensified mine restoration and have promoted large-scale land greening. As you may know, Hebei has a notable example of ecological restoration – Saihanba in Chengde. This place used to be a desert, but after decades of management and rectification, Saihanba has now become the world's largest man-made forest. It has won the UN Champions of the Earth Award and the UNCCD's Land for Life Award, serving as a vivid example of ecological civilization development.

In our future work, we will adhere to the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, firmly holding the "golden rice bowl" of ecological resources and effectively utilizing the "golden key" of green development. We will strive to build a beautiful Hebei with blue skies, green land and clear waters, to support high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment and to ensure that the benefits of a healthy ecology reach more people.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Thank you, Mr. Wang and the other speakers, as well as our friends from the media. That concludes today's press conference. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Qian, Zhou Jing, Li Xiao, Ma Yujia, Mi Xingang, Gong Yingchun, Yuan Fang, Liu Jianing, Zhang Junmian, Yan Bin, Zhang Rui, Liu Caiyi, Liu Sitong, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.