Qiushi Journal Publishes Xi Jinping's Important Article "Speech at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection"

The speech delivered by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairperson of the Central Military Commission, at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection on July 17, 2023, will be published in the 15th issue of Qiushi Journal, which will be released on August 1.

The article states that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we have regarded ecological civilization construction as a fundamental task crucial to the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. A series of pioneering efforts have been carried out with an unprecedented level of determination, intensity, and effectiveness. Historic, transformative, and overall changes have taken place in ecological civilization construction, both in theory and practice. There have been major shifts from focusing on key - area rectification to systematic governance, from passive response to proactive action, from being a participant to a leader in global environmental governance, and from practical exploration to guidance by scientific theories. The achievements of ecological civilization construction in the new era are remarkable and have become a prominent symbol of the historic achievements and changes in the cause of the Party and the country in the new era.

The article points out that China's economic and social development has entered a stage of high - quality development featuring accelerated greening and low - carbonization, while ecological civilization construction is still in a critical period with overlapping pressures and heavy responsibilities. To continue promoting ecological civilization construction on the new journey, several major relationships need to be properly handled. Firstly, the relationship between high - quality development and high - level protection. We should plan development from the perspective of the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. Through high - level protection, we can constantly foster new drivers and advantages for development, and continuously enhance the potential and stamina of development. Secondly, the relationship between key - task tackling and coordinated governance. We should adhere to the systematic concept, grasp the principal contradiction and the main aspect of the contradiction, and take effective measures to address prominent ecological and environmental problems. At the same time, we should strengthen the coordination of goals, the control of multiple pollutants, the cooperation among departments, the coordination among regions, and the alignment of policies, so as to continuously enhance the systematicness, integrity, and coordination of various tasks. Thirdly, the relationship between natural restoration and artificial repair. We should organically combine natural restoration and artificial repair, adopt measures according to local conditions and at the right time, and implement policies by region and category, striving to find the best solutions for ecological protection and restoration. Fourthly, the relationship between external constraints and internal driving forces. We should stimulate the internal driving force of the whole society to jointly care for the ecological environment, and always adhere to using the strictest systems and the most rigorous laws to protect the ecological environment, maintaining a regular external pressure. Fifthly, the relationship between the “dual - carbon” commitment and independent actions. Our “dual - carbon” goal is unswerving, but the path, mode, pace, and intensity of achieving this goal should and must be decided by ourselves, and should not be influenced by others.

It was pointed out that we should comprehensively promote the modernization of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature through the construction of a Beautiful China. Firstly, continue to deepen the fight against pollution. Adhere to targeted, scientific, and law - based pollution control, maintain the intensity, deepen the depth, and expand the breadth, further promote environmental pollution prevention and control, and continuously improve the ecological and environmental quality. Secondly, accelerate the green and low - carbon transformation of the development mode. Adhere to green and low - carbon development as the fundamental solution to ecological and environmental problems, and quickly form green production and lifestyle patterns, laying a solid green foundation for high - quality development. Thirdly, focus on enhancing the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystem. From the perspective of safeguarding national ecological security, the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, and being responsible for human civilization, strengthen ecological protection and restoration, leaving a beautiful ecological space for future generations. Fourthly, actively and steadily promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Adhere to the principles of national overall planning, priority of conservation, dual - drive, unobstructed internal and external circulation, and risk prevention, and implement the “1 + N” policy system for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Fifthly, hold the bottom line of safety in the construction of a Beautiful China. Implement the overall national security concept, actively and effectively respond to various risks and challenges, and ensure that the natural environment and conditions on which we depend for survival and development are not threatened or damaged. Sixthly, improve the guarantee system for the construction of a Beautiful China. Coordinate resources in various fields, pool the strength of all parties, and play a “combination punch” of the rule of law, the market, science and technology, and policies, providing basic support and strong guarantees for the construction of a Beautiful China.

The article emphasizes that building a Beautiful China is an important goal of building a modern socialist country in all respects, and we must adhere to and strengthen the overall leadership of the Communist Party of China. All regions and departments should continuously enhance their sense of responsibility and mission, and earnestly implement the decision - making and arrangements of the Central Committee without fail. We should continue to give full play to the cutting - edge role of the central ecological and environmental protection inspection.