Xi Jinping says he wants to prioritize environmental protection in China, while the country remains largely dependent on coal. This announcement comes during the opening speech of the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Declarations of intent
Xi Jinping announces China will promote environmental protection and the development of ecological lifestyles. The Chinese President, considers that the preservation of nature is an essential part of building a modern socialist country. However, he says China has been making progress in addressing environmental issues for the past decade.
Xi Jinping added that the country is committed to “fundamentally eliminating” heavy air pollution. Moreover, the Chinese President wishes to control water pollution and soil contamination. The Chinese leader states:
“Ecological and environmental protection has undergone a historic, transformational, and global change – the sky in our homeland is bluer, the mountains are greener, and the water is clearer.”
Xi Jinping’s China intends to try to reverse the damage caused by decades of meteoric economic growth. Thus, this challenge is one of Beijing’s main political objectives during the Chinese President’s decade in power. In 2018, he warned that any failure to address pollution was an “excuse” for hostile forces.
Unclear objectives
Low-carbon growth is also becoming a key component of the effort. The country also wants to strengthen its international prestige. It wants to lead a new global “green industrial revolution”.
In 2021, Xi Jinping pledged that China would achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, its emissions are expected to peak by the year 2030. This is a strong commitment since the country is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
China will then support low-carbon industries. The country is turning to nuclear power, as with the Taishan nuclear power plant. However, China will continue to promote the “clean and efficient use of coal” according to Xi Jinping.
