Protecting the environment has been a big focus for China over the past five years. The recent Government Work Report calls for the country to reform its ecological and environmental regulations. This includes strengthening rules over the use of natural resources and improving compensation mechanisms for conservation. China's Environmental Protection Minister, Li Ganjie, discussed the achievements and future plans at a press conference on Saturday. Our reporter Liu Yang has the details.

Environmental Protection Minister Li Ganjie stressed that with a commitment to achieving harmony between humans and nature, China has taken major steps to address pollution. The nation has made notable progress in ecological conservation. This includes strengthened prevention and control measures against water pollution in key drainage basins and sea areas. There's also been zero growth in chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.

LI GANJIE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MINISTER "The air quality has significantly improved over the past five years. We have significantly improved the structure of several sectors, especially for industry, energy and transport. A new mechanism for air pollution prevention and control has been introduced. But we have no reason to be satisfied with ourselves, since the situation is full of difficulties and challenges and we still have a long way to go."

China has backed the development of mega infrastructure projects like roads, ports and railways to enhance connectivity with its foreign trading partners under the Belt and Road Initiative. In regards to environmental implications to Belt and Road countries, the minister said China will continue to protect the environment.

LI GANJIE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MINISTER "Last year, together with several ministries, including the Foreign Ministry, we published an important document. It clarified the general guidelines of developing a 'green' Belt and Road. And on the basis of this document, we elaborated and published plans on the ecological cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative. We also pushed the relevant enterprises in the respective sectors to sign specific deals and form a related mechanism."

He also highlighted intensified comprehensive efforts to curb desertification, rock desertification, and soil erosion. China has launched central government inspections on environmental protection, and investigated and prosecuted cases involving legal violations.

LIU YANG BEIJING "In January this year, a batch of laws and regulations issued by the National People's Congress went into effect, including the country's first environmental protection tax, and a water pollution prevention and control law to better regulate companies and local governments. Liu Yang, CGTN, Beijing."