Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Sun Shuxian, vice minister of natural resources and administrator of the State Oceanic Administration

Ms. Guo Fang, vice minister of ecology and environment

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

July 11, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO).

Today, we are releasing the white paper "Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China," and holding this press conference to introduce and interpret its main content.

The white paper, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, systematically introduces China's policy concepts for creating a marine eco-environment for harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean. It comprehensively outlines the key measures China has taken in coordinating marine eco-environmental protection, systematic governance of the marine eco-environment, and advancing green and low-carbon maritime development. It also showcases China's extensive international cooperation efforts in marine eco-environmental protection and its contributions to building a maritime community of shared future. The paper calls on all countries to jointly protect the marine eco-environment and promote sustainable development for a cleaner and more beautiful world. 

The white paper consists of a preface, main text and conclusion, totaling around 27,000 Chinese characters. The main text includes seven sections: I. Improving Marine Eco-Environment for Harmonious Coexistence Between Humans and the Ocean; II. Coordinating Marine Eco-Environmental Protection; III. Systematic Governance of the Marine Eco-Environment; IV. Science-Based Conservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems; V. Strengthening Supervision and Administration of the Marine Eco-Environment; VI. Advancing China's Green and Low-Carbon Maritime Development; VII. Carrying Out All-Round International Cooperation on Marine Eco-Environmental Protection.

The white paper is published in eight languages — Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese — by the People's Publishing House and the Foreign Languages Press, and is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country.

To help you better understand the content of the white paper, we have invited Mr. Sun Shuxian, vice minister of natural resources and administrator of the State Oceanic Administration, and Ms. Guo Fang, vice minister of ecology and environment, to introduce relevant information and answer your questions.

First, I will give the floor to Mr. Sun for his introduction.

Sun Shuxian:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is a pleasure to witness the release of the white paper "Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China" with you today. First, I would like to thank you for your interest in and support for marine eco-environmental protection.

The white paper presents a full picture of China's ideas, actions and achievements in marine eco-environmental protection. We hope it will help people from all walks of life and the international community obtain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China's marine eco-environmental protection efforts, further strengthening communication and cooperation.

The ocean is a treasure trove of natural resources and a strategic area for high-quality development. Today, global marine security, development and governance face a series of prominent challenges. China has always actively promoted the global marine governance process and is a firm advocate for and active participant in marine eco-environmental protection.

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to "care for the ocean as dearly as we treasure our lives." Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has launched a series of campaigns of fundamental, pioneering and long-term significance, achieving historic transformations and significant progress. These efforts have resulted in a series of landmark accomplishments and have charted a unique path of harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean, reflecting Chinese characteristics.

First, the concept of marine eco-environmental protection has innovatively evolved while maintaining fundamental principles. We have prioritized eco-environmental conservation, deepened our understanding of marine natural laws and included eco-environmental progress in the overall plan for marine development. We adhere to a coordinated approach that includes both land and sea, river and sea linkage, and systematic governance, transitioning from single-element to holistic strategies, and from "end-of-pipe treatment" to "whole-chain management." We emphasize technology-driven, multi-partner governance, public participation and win-win cooperation, enhancing comprehensive governance capabilities from multiple perspectives. This has produced exemplary cases of building a Beautiful China and harmonious coexistence between humans and the ocean, such as the "Xiamen Approach," vividly demonstrating the implementation of China's eco-civilization philosophy.

Second, China has made progress in protecting its marine eco-environment through continuous exploration. China was the first country to propose and enforce red lines for ecological conservation. It has made efforts to improve the marine protected areas system and implement major marine eco-environmental conservation and restoration projects. By doing this, the country has significantly improved the marine ecosystem in terms of diversity, stability and sustainability. Moreover, China has ensured that its management of sea areas has transitioned from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional approach. Rapid progress has been made in technologies for developing and harnessing marine renewable power, and China's ability to use marine resources economically and intensively has been improved. Furthermore, China has improved its legal and institutional frameworks. We have used land, sea, air and space in monitoring and supervision to strengthen the country's marine ecosystem early warning and monitoring capabilities, improving our capacity to prevent and mitigate marine disasters. These efforts have built a strong security shield for the marine ecology.

Third, China has reached a consensus with countries worldwide on marine eco-environmental protection. Since 2012, China has submitted over 800 proposals to international organizations, actively engaging in formulating international rules and regulations for environmental protection and resource conservation. The country has signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries and international organizations, enhancing synergy with major cooperation initiatives such as the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the U.N.'s Ocean Decade. Moreover, Blue Partnership cooperation has become more dynamic. China has provided extensive foreign assistance and training, contributing insights and strengths to tackle global challenges to the marine eco-environment.

My friends, the blue planet where we live is the shared home of all humanity, and mankind rise and fall together in a community with a shared future. China stands ready to work hand in hand with the international community to lay the foundation for a marine eco-civilization and pursue the green development of our oceans.

That's all I have for now. Thank you.