Fix weak links for beautiful China and world

China's Minister for the Environment says that the country will take tough measures to fix environmental and ecological problems that stand in the way of efforts to build a moderately prosperous society. 

He says that more attention will be paid to the roots of environmental issues, such as a backward development mindset and unsustainable lifestyles.

Minister Li Ganjie made the remarks on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing.

The city just experienced a new round of smog days ago. 

Chinese Minister of Environmental Protection Li Ganjie answers questions at a press conference on the battle against pollution on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua]

Despite the recent air pollution, Beijing's overall air quality was some of the best seen in China's major cities this winter. 

The minister said the government's tough clean up measures had made clear progress in clearing Beijing's air. 

"Under extreme weather conditions, we managed to reduce the density of PM 2.5 thanks to a series of targeted measures over the past few years, which not only alleviated the problem but also checked it at its roots."

In 2013, China issued a ten-point guideline for tackling air pollution control, including the particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers.

Since then, the density of the pollutant dropped by over 25% in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region.

China's government is now working on a new three year air quality plan. Dubbed "the battle for blue sky," it is expected to set targets such as guaranteeing good air quality for 80% of days each year.

The government has also been working on reducing both water and soil pollution as part of its environmental protection efforts. 

Li said the proportion of clean water has been increased across the country, particularly in the Yangtze River Economic Zone.

"We primarily enhanced monitoring for the region. Then we sped up the drafting of standards such as an ecological protection redline, environment quality bottom line, and resource exploration ceiling, as well a negative list for environmental access. We also put emphasis on the protection of drinking water sources."

Meanwhile, China intends to do its share to preserve the world's environment and ecosystems under the framework of the "Belt and Road" Initiative.

Li said the roll out of the initiative will be strictly based on concepts such as sustainable and low carbon development.

"Only by following a path of green development, can the Belt and Road Initiative be solidly promoted."

As part of the initiative, China also plans to launch training and exchange programs to help countries along the "Belt and Road" to improve their environment monitoring and conservation capabilities.