Voice: “Beautiful” represents direction of sustainable development

“China is winning the battle to safeguard its clear skies. The world’s second largest economy is taking powerful measures to facilitate the control of polluting emissions. It is gradually abandoning the old model of growth at the expense of environment, and has created a more sustainable model of economic development.” Recently, Bloomberg quoted a research report saying that the average PM2.5 concentration in Beijing, Tianjin and 26 other cities decreased by 34.3 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2017. Bloomberg made positive comments on a series of Chinese policies aimed at speeding up the creation of a more environmentally conscious civilization.

Video snapshot from Yunnan Gateway shows scenery in Dali.

Many foreign experts and scholars say that China is pushing the creation of a more environmentally conscious civilization to a new height. China’s green development path is getting broader and is having a positive impact on global sustainable development.

“As the world’s second largest economy, China is pursuing clear waters and green mountains. It is continuously accelerating the construction of an ecological civilization, releasing a positive signal of transformative development concepts and achieving green development,” said Professor François at Amsterdam Business School. “The Chinese government’s efforts are unprecedented. I believe the dividend of green development in China will continue to be paid out in the future.”

Video snapshot from Yunnan Gateway shows scenery in the Lijiang old town.

“‘Beautiful’ represents the direction of sustainable development. It coincides with the concept of ‘harmony’ advocated in Chinese philosophy since ancient times. The major actions to promote ecological protection and restore clear waters and green mountains are bringing Chinese people onto the path of man and nature living in harmony,” said Albert Rodriguez, a Mexican columnist and expert on Chinese issues. He noted that China used the word ‘beautiful’ when describing the goal of building itself into a great modern Socialist country. The word ‘beautiful’ reflects China’s pursuit of a higher goal than rapid economic development. The ecological concept of sacrificing the speed of development for a cleaner environment shows the wisdom and courage of Chinese leaders and will surely benefit the general public.

The director of the National Parks Management Office at the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said accelerating the construction of an ecological civilization shows the Chinese government’s emphasis on people’s health and overall quality of life. The concepts and experiences surrounding China’s change of course is a successful example for Thailand and other developing countries.

Adapted from a People’s Daily report; Editor: Wang Shixue