Guangming Daily:

A study outline of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization was recently published, triggering widespread discussion among the public. Could you please give us a brief introduction about the key principles and pioneering contributions of the Thought? Last year, a research center of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization was established in July. What achievement has it made so far?

Zhai Qing:

Thanks for your questions. The CPC Central Committee held the National Conference on Eco-environmental Protection in May 2018, formally introducing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, which became the ideological banner to push forward ecological civilization in the new era. In late July, a study outline of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization jointly compiled by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the MEE was published, providing authoritative and auxiliary materials for deeper learning and understanding of the Thought. Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization is a comprehensive, well-conceived system of profound theories with strict logic and rich connotations. The system is underpinned by 10 principles that China upholds, including that the Party exercises overall leadership in the building of ecological civilization; civilizations thrive on their natural surroundings; human beings and nature should coexist in harmony; lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets; no welfare is more universally beneficial than a sound natural environment; to promote green growth is a profound revolution in China's development philosophy; we should coordinate the management of mountains, rivers, forests as well as farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts; the strictest regulations and laws must be applied in protecting the environment; we must translate the idea of building a beautiful China into the conscious actions of all people; and the construction of global ecological civilization requires the joint efforts of all. These 10 principles answer a series of major theoretical and practical questions on why, what kind, and how we should build an ecological civilization.

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization is highly significant, and its original contributions mainly include the following four respects. First, it adds more depth and makes innovations to our Party's theoretical achievements on ecological civilization, representing a new level of our Party's understanding of ecological civilization; second, it inherits and innovates the Marxist views on nature and ecology, advancing the Marxist thought on the relationship between man and nature with the times; third, it absorbs and develops the fine traditional Chinese ecological culture, giving such ancient philosophical thoughts as "harmony between humanity and nature" and "The Way follows nature" new vitality in China in the 21st century; fourth, it pushes the boundaries of global sustainable development experiences and achievements, as an important content and achievement of the Chinese path to modernization and a new model for human progress. 

In May 2021, the CPC Central Committee approved the MEE to establish the center for studying Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, which is an important strategic measure taken by the CPC Central Committee to promote the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization among the whole Party and society. Attaching great importance to the work, the MEE Party Members Group strengthened political guidance, organization, and leadership over it, and established a leading group for setting up and developing the center. Medium and long-term plans and programs have been made, focusing resources on building "three hubs and two platforms," referring to the three hubs of conducting theoretical research of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, studying and publicizing it, and making institutional innovation centering on it and the two platforms for promoting its practice and international communication. Over the past year, we pressed ahead with the theoretical research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and launched major projects to study and develop Marxist theories. Under the guidance of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, we jointly compiled major theoretical books, including a study guide to foster understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. We have sped up the building of a database of practical cases of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and the building of relevant contact points, and summarized and promoted successful local experiences and practices. We have successfully hosted the symposium on thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization for three consecutive years, launched a special publication on its research and practice,and vigorously promoted it on international occasions such as the COP15. All these efforts have contributed to its theoretical interpretation, academic expression, systematic construction, publicity, and international communication. 

Next, the MEE will follow the arrangements of the Party Central Committee and further the research, publicity, and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization so it will become more deeply rooted in people's hearts and further spread to the rest of the world.