Xi calls for building of socialist ecological civilization

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (C rear) speaks at a meeting on building the ecological civilization, in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 2, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has called for more to be done to deepen reforms and establish a framework of institutions to promote ecological civilization in China.

The goal of achieving an ecological civilization is a key part of China's overall development strategy and governments at all levels should remember that clear waters and green mountains are invaluable assets, said Xi, according to a statement released Friday by the central authorities.

More should be done to create a legal and operational ecological civilization framework, which will feature green, renewable and low-carbon growth and economical and environmentally-friendly way of life, Xi pointed out.

China will increase environmental inspections and punish polluters accordingly to ensure the environment improves, Xi said.

Ecological civilization should be an important task for governments and Communist Party of China branches at all levels. They should implement policies earnestly and contribute more to a greener China and global ecological security, Xi added.

Premier Li Keqiang spoke about ecological civilization's key role in achieving sustainable growth, adding that local governments should bare this in mind when drafting supply-side structural reforms.

China will continue to optimize its industrial structure, cut excess capacity, reduce pollution and improve air, water and soil quality, Li added.

A national meeting on ecological progress was held Friday in Zhejiang Province, where Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli urged local governments to use their previous achievements to kick-start faster and better ecological civilization development.

Moreover, more should be done to promote green urbanization and sustainable industrial structure, and improve the efficiency of resource utilization, Zhang added.