Chinese vice premier urges global cooperation to protect tropical rainforests

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Thursday called for countries to work together to advance tropical rainforest conservation.

Ding, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a luncheon hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the "Tropical Forests Forever Facility" fund.

President Xi has emphasized the need for strict protection of tropical rainforests and the promotion of ecological conservation, green development, and the improvement of people's well-being in a coordinated manner, Ding said.

He noted that in recent years, China has strengthened policies and regulations, increased funding and technological input, and established the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, achieving significant results in both environmental protection and local development.

Ding stressed that protecting tropical rainforests concerns the survival and well-being of humanity and represents a common cause for all. He noted that this requires the concerted efforts of all countries.

He also called for building multilateral and bilateral cooperation platforms, enhancing communication and coordination, and working together to advance tropical rainforest protection.

Developed countries should, within the framework of the UN climate convention, provide adequate funding to support developing countries in reducing deforestation and rainforest degradation, he said, adding that China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with all parties on tropical rainforest conservation and make greater contributions to global climate and environmental governance.

The event was attended by President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi, Surinamese President Jennifer Simons, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, among others, who delivered remarks.