Xi calls for concerted effort toward a green China

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for efforts to build a green China as he planted trees in Tongzhou, a suburb of Beijing, along with the country's top leaders and members of the public.

Xi said it is important to uphold people-centered development while carrying out extensive land-greening programs.

Officials should lead the public to plant trees voluntarily and treat the ecological environment as importantly as their own lives, he said.

The Grand Canal in Tongzhou. /VCG Photo

Xi last visited Tongzhou District in February 2017 when he inspected the Grand Canal Forest Park.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches over 1,700 km away through six provinces and cities, with 42 km in Tongzhou.

Xi said the district has historical and cultural advantages and local officials should explore the resource in local economic growth while doing more to protect the environment.

A construction site in Tongzhou District on Feb. 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

Tongzhou, the so-called "subsidiary center" of Beijing, is located in the eastern suburb of China's capital. Beijing aims to move what it calls "non-capital functions" out of the city in order to relieve traffic congestion and pressure on public services.

Xiongan New Area, announced in 2017, is another major focus for regional development.

Chinese official newspaper the People's Daily regards Tongzhou and Xiongan as "two wings" for Beijing that will create new growth engines for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. They are part of the country's broad picture – integrating the economies of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, also known as Jing, Jin, Ji.

A construction site in Tongzhou District on Feb. 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

Top leaders including Premier Li Keqiang, top legislator Li Zhanshu, top political adviser Wang Yang, Vice Premier Han Zheng and Vice President Wang Qishan also attended the event.