'Two Mountains' theory fosters harmony between man and nature

Editor's note: Zheng Haizhen, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an assistant researcher at the Department for Global Governance and International Organization Studies, China Institute of International Studies. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The contemporary significance of the "Two Mountains" theory

The concept of "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," known as the "Two Mountains" theory, is one of the core elements of Chinese President Xi Jinping's thought on eco-civilization. It provides both theoretical foundations and practical pathways for achieving high-level ecological and environmental protection and high-quality economic development, with distinctive contemporary significance.

The comparison of mountains of green with mountains of gold was first made by Xi Jinping in 2005 when he visited Yucun, a village in Zhejiang Province, in his capacity as secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee. On the one hand, a sound eco-environment represents boundless economic value, capable of generating sustained and integrated benefits to realize sustainable economic and social development. On the other hand, a sound eco-environment is the common wealth of the people, the fairest form of public good, and the most inclusive form of public wellbeing. Building an ecological civilization is a fundamental plan that concerns the people's wellbeing and the future of the nation, and an important component of realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Practice has shown that economic development cannot come at the cost of environmental degradation. The United Kingdom was the first country to embark on the path of industrialization, and London was long known as the foggy city. In 1930, Belgium saw the notorious Meuse Valley smog incident. The photochemical smog events in Los Angeles also made the city "world-famous." These cautionary lessons show that while rapid industrialization in the West created enormous material wealth, it also exacted a heavy environmental toll.

Building an ecological civilization means basing development on the carrying capacity of resources and the environment, following the laws of nature, and aiming for sustainable development and harmony between humanity and nature – thus building a society with advanced production, prosperous living standards, and sound ecology.

The practical significance of the "Two Mountains" theory in addressing global issues

In April 2025, Xi delivered a speech via video link at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition, once again highlighting the "Two Mountains" theory. Green transition is both the only path to addressing climate change and a new driver for economic and social development. Developed countries have the obligation to provide assistance and support to developing countries, helping to advance the global green and low-carbon transition and promote the shared and long-term wellbeing of all peoples.

The international community has responded positively to the "Two Mountains" theory. Over the years, China followed the principle of "teaching people how to fish" in assisting other countries. As of October 2024, China had signed 53 South-South cooperation memorandums of understanding on climate change with 42 developing countries, launched nearly 100 projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, implemented more than 300 capacity-building programs in climate-related fields or on relevant themes, and provided over 10,000 training opportunities for more than 120 developing countries.

The global significance of the "Two Mountains" theory

The theory embodies profound thinking on advancing human civilization and building a clean and beautiful world. It stands out in the governance practices of major countries, showcasing Chinese characteristics, strategic vision, and universal value, as well as the global significance of Xi Jinping thought on eco-civilization. The theory is leading the transformation of the global ecological and environmental governance system. Today, global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss still threaten the material foundations for human survival and development, and the limitations of traditional Western ecological governance models have become increasingly evident. It is essential to firmly safeguard multilateralism, engage constructively in global environmental governance, and continuously enhance China's role and influence as an important participant, contributor, and leader in building global ecological civilization.

No country can remain immune in the face of multiple global crises. China is committed to advancing ecological civilization, actively assisting other developing countries, sharing knowledge, low-carbon technologies, and financing experience through international cooperation, and encouraging developing countries to adopt sustainable development models that protect nature and address climate change.

The Earth is the shared home of humanity. China will uphold the concept of ecological civilization, work actively with countries around the world to explore future-oriented paths for green development, seek harmony between man and nature, build a beautiful home where all living things thrive in harmony, and jointly build a community of life for man and nature.

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