"The country does everything it can to conserve the ecological system, intensify pollution prevention and control, and improve the living and working environment for its people," Xi made these remarks in a special address at the 2022 World Economic Forum virtual session.

Xi described economic development at the cost of the environment as "draining a pond to get fish," and sacrificing growth to protect the environment as "climbing a tree to catch fish."

"Guided by our philosophy that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, China has carried out holistic conservation and systematic governance of its mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts," Xi said.