Xi stresses ecological restoration of Yangtze River

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of ecological restoration along the Yangtze River while inspecting work in Hubei Province.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the ecological restoration along the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei Province. [Photo: Xinhua]

Xi Jinping says that the construction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt must adopt rules and regulations, and develop suitable industries, on the premise of maintaining ecological protection.

"The construction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt requires an overall protection as well as scientific and orderly development. We must first set a rule and put the ecological restoration of the Yangtze River first to protect the mother river of the Chinese nation. Destructive development must be forbidden,” said Xi, “I hope the enterprises will take the lead in this regard and prosper on the path of scientific and sustainable development."

President Xi has also urged innovation as he spoke with engineering and technical staff at the Three Gorges Project in Yichang.

"The going is the toughest towards the end of a journey. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not be an easy process. We must rely on our own efforts, and hold the great strength in our hands. Independent innovation capability should be enhanced by unremitting efforts," said the President

Xi Jinping also says coordinated development must be achieved in various sectors like water, roads, ports, wetlands and the environment along the Yangtze River region.

China's cabinet approved plans in February to draw ecological "red lines" to strengthen environmental protection, including 11 regions along the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

The government has also issued policies to strengthen protection of wetlands along the Yangtze River to address pollution and reclamation challenges.