Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 16th G20 Leaders' Summit via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called on the international community to take concrete actions to address climate change and energy issues.

Xi made the remarks while addressing the 16th G20 Leaders' Summit via video link in Beijing.

Climate change and energy issues are today's prominent global challenges, which concern the common interests of the international community and the future of the Earth, Xi said.

The willingness and motivation of the international community to work together to cope with challenges continued to rise, and the key is to take concrete actions, he said.

He called on the world to adopt comprehensive and balanced policies, and balance environmental protection and economic development, as well as addressing climate change and safeguarding people's livelihood. Major economies should strengthen cooperation in this area, he added.

Xi urged for fully and effectively implementing the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, upholding the role of the UN as the main channel, following the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, abiding by international law, and being action-oriented.

He also highlighted the importance of taking stronger actions and enhancing cooperation.

The Chinese president also called on developed countries to increase their support for developing countries, saying that the G20 members should take the lead in the promotion and application of advanced technologies, and developed countries should earnestly fulfill their commitments to developing countries in providing funds to help them cope with climate change.

In the past 15 years, the cut of China's carbon emission intensity has greatly exceeded the climate action goals of 2020, Xi said.

He stressed that China would successively release implementation plans and supporting measures for major areas and industries to achieve carbon peaking, and establish the "1+N" policy framework for carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

China would continue to promote the transformation and upgrading of energy and industrial structures, promote the research, development and application of green and low-carbon technologies, support qualified localities, industries, and enterprises to take the lead in reaching the peak, and make positive contributions to the global efforts on addressing climate change and promoting the energy transformation, Xi said.

At present, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered multiple crises, Xi said, adding that the development achievements made by the international community over the years have been seriously eroded and developing countries are facing unprecedented challenges and tests.

The COVID-19 pandemic has once again shown that all countries, with high stakes in each other's future and converging interests, form a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said, noting that promoting sustainable development in developing countries will benefit the people of the countries concerned, and also affect the future and destiny of the whole mankind and the Earth.

China recently has launched the Global Development Initiative and called on the international community to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promote a stronger, greener and healthier global development, Xi said, adding that the G20 should build consensus and step up actions in this regard.

Xi stressed giving priority to development and acting on the people-centered philosophy. He urged all parties to take improving people's well-being and achieving all-around human development as the starting point and the ultimate goal, place development cooperation in a more prominent position in global macro-policy coordination and the G20 agenda, and strive to address problems including poverty and imbalanced development.

He called on the G20 to stick to being action-oriented and promote practical cooperation. All sides should increase input in development, attach importance to the needs of developing countries, and strengthen cooperation in critical areas including poverty reduction, food security, industrialization and connectivity, said Xi.

He added that China successfully hosted the International Conference on Food Loss and Waste in September this year, and stands ready to contribute more Chinese wisdom and solutions through the G20 platform.

The G20 should pursue mutual benefit and build partnerships, Xi said, adding that all sides should support the United Nations in playing a coordinating role, deepening global partnership for development, and building a global community of shared future for development. Developed countries should earnestly honor their development assistance commitments and provide more resources to developing countries.

The Global Development Initiative proposed by China will further synergize with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and jointly advance global development, Xi said.

BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- China, a major contributor to tackling climate change and an active participant in climate talks, has been a source of strong impetus for global climate governance.

"China has contributed to the conclusion and quick implementation of the Paris Agreement; with its own vision and action it has charted the course for a new form of global climate governance," stated a white paper released Wednesday, elaborating on China's policies, actions and progress in mitigating climate change.

Deeming climate change "a task of great urgency" that needs to be addressed, the document said China has contributed to global unity on climate governance through its leaders' climate diplomacy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has on many occasions highlighted China's view on global climate governance and expressed China's firm support for the Paris Agreement, facilitating major progress at the global level.

In 2015, Xi delivered a keynote speech at the Paris Conference on Climate Change, making a historic contribution to the conclusion of the Paris Agreement on global climate action after 2020.

In September 2016, he deposited in person the legal instrument of China's ratification of the Paris Agreement. This came as a vigorous push for the quick implementation of the agreement, showing China's ambition and resolution in tackling climate change.

Xi announced that China will scale up its nationally determined contributions at the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, demonstrating China's resolve in applying its new development philosophy and its clear attitude to make further contributions to global efforts against climate change.

At the Climate Ambition Summit in December 2020, President Xi announced China's further commitments for 2030.

China will lower its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65 percent from the 2005 level, increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 25 percent, increase the forest stock volume by 6 billion cubic meters from the 2005 level, and bring its total installed capacity of wind and solar power to over 1.2 billion kilowatts.

The country will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy, and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, announced Xi at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2021, manifesting China's sense of responsibility as a major country.

Earlier this month, Xi emphasized efforts to achieve China's carbon peak and neutrality targets when addressing the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

China will continue to readjust its industrial structure and energy mix, vigorously develop renewable energy, and make faster progress in planning and developing large wind-power and photovoltaic bases in sandy and rocky areas, and deserts, he noted.

The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), scheduled from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, is the first of its kind since the Paris Agreement came into force.

China looks forward to working with all parties to make progress at COP26 and promote full implementation of the Paris Agreement goals, said Ye Min, vice minister of ecology and environment. 

BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a commemorative meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations here next Monday, when he will deliver an important speech at the event, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Friday.

Over the past 50 years, China has greatly enhanced its cooperation with the United Nations and made notable achievements.

On various occasions, President Xi has reiterated China's support for the UN-centered international system and pledged greater contributions to advancing the noble cause of the United Nations.

The following are some highlights of his remarks in this regard.

Oct. 14, 2021

Addressing via video link the opening ceremony of the Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference, Xi said China will continue to hold high the banner of true multilateralism, and stay connected with the world and abreast with the times.

"This way, we will contribute more to global development while pursuing our own development," he said.

China will not change course in its pursuit of a new system of open economy of higher standards, and China will not waver in its resolve to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, Xi said.

"China's door of opening-up will only open wider, and will never be closed," he added.

Oct. 12, 2021

Addressing via video link the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Xi called on the international community to enhance cooperation, build consensus and pool strength to build a community of all life on Earth.

Noting that China has made remarkable progress in building an ecological civilization, Xi said China will continue to advance ecological progress, stay committed to implementing the new development philosophy emphasizing innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all, and build a beautiful China.

Sept. 21, 2021

China is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of the international order and provider of public goods, Xi said in his statement delivered via video at the general debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

"We must improve global governance and practice true multilateralism," Xi said.

"In the world, there is only one international system, i.e. the international system with the United Nations at its core. There is only one international order, i.e. the international order underpinned by international law. There is only one set of rules, i.e. the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," he added.

Sept. 22, 2020

China is the largest developing country in the world, a country that is committed to peaceful, open, cooperative and common development, Xi said while addressing the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly via video.

"We will never seek hegemony, expansion, or sphere of influence. We have no intention to fight either a Cold War or a hot war with any country," Xi said.

China firmly upholds the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, he said.

"Global governance should be based on the principle of extensive consultation, joint cooperation and shared benefits so as to ensure that all countries enjoy equal rights and opportunities and follow the same rules," he said.

Jan. 18, 2017

China is a founding member of the United Nations and the first country to put its signature on the UN Charter, Xi said in his speech at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

China's support for multilateralism will increase as the country continues to develop itself, Xi said.

"China is ready to work with all the other UN member states as well as international organizations and agencies to advance the great cause of building a community of shared future for mankind," Xi said.

Sept. 28, 2015

Addressing the general debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, Xi said China will continue to contribute to global development.

"We are ready to share our development experience and opportunities with other countries and welcome them to board China's express train of development so that all of us will achieve common development," Xi said.

"China will continue to stand together with other developing countries. We firmly support greater representation and say of developing countries, especially African countries, in the international governance system," Xi said.

"China's vote in the United Nations will always belong to the developing countries," he said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits a section of the Lijiang River and learns about local efforts in the ecological conservation of the river in Yangshuo, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- The runaway success story of the summer was the more than 110-day adventure of a herd of 14 wandering wild Asian elephants across Yunnan Province, southwest China. The herd's sojourn gripped the nation and beyond, making the elephants social media superstars. Beyond the headlines, however, this is a story of conservation, commitment, and care that spans decades.

In December 2015, during a state visit to Zimbabwe, Chinese President Xi Jinping reflected on the remarkable progress by China to protect wildlife, natural habitats and end the illegal trade of wild animals and animal products, including ivory.

The remarks were not made on a whim.

Xi didn't just tell people to protect the environment and local wildlife; he led by example.

In 1997, when Xi was a local official in Fujian, he was inspecting a river that runs through one of the province's counties when a carp leaped out of the water onto his raft. "Now we have an additional ingredient for tonight's dinner," rafter Xiao Kewen joked. Xi, however, smiled and removed one of the covers on his boots, filled it with water, and placed the fish inside. When the raft arrived in calmer water, he released it back into the river.

Almost twenty years later in December 2016, China declared that the country would end the domestic ivory trade within a year. True to its word, on Jan. 1, 2018, a nationwide ban on the ivory trade for commercial purposes came into force.

In November 2020, when addressing the G20 Riyadh Summit via video link, Xi took this initiative another step forward and called for a complete ban on the illegal wildlife trade.

Environmental protection and restoration efforts have not only benefited elephants and aquatic species: populations of wild animals across the nation have increased. Earlier this year, giant pandas were downgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable." The Tibetan antelope went from "endangered" to "near threatened."

During this year's epic elephant expedition, hundreds of thousands of locals were evacuated, but they showed great patience and tolerance. "The elephants look so at ease -- the sky is the roof, the earth is the bed, and everywhere can be home," netizens commented on photos and videos of the herd on social media.

China's conservation, commitment, and care for wildlife and the environment represent just one way it aims to ensure our shared home is welcoming and comfortable for generations to come.

The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, known as COP15, kicked off on Monday afternoon in Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.

BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to expand cooperation with Tonga in various fields within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday.

In a phone conversation with Tonga's King Tupou VI, Xi also said China will provide Tonga with economic and technological assistance without political strings attached.

China and Tonga have deepened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful exchanges and cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi said, adding that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the two countries have stood together through thick and thin and worked together to fight the pandemic.

China, he said, highly appreciates Tonga's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Facing the complicated and combined impacts of global changes unseen in a century and the pandemic, the two countries need to strengthen solidarity, coordination and cooperation, lift their comprehensive strategic partnership to new levels, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

He stressed that China will continue to implement agritech cooperation projects and provide necessary assistance for Tonga's agricultural and fishery products to enter the Chinese market.

China welcomes Tongan enterprises to actively participate in the China International Import Expo and stands ready to continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Tonga's fight against the pandemic, Xi said.

Xi stressed that China has been actively carrying out win-win cooperation with Pacific Island countries, and is willing to share poverty reduction experience and deepen development cooperation with Tonga and other Pacific Island countries, and help Pacific Island countries better cope with major public health incidents and natural disasters.

China, he added, will set up a China-Pacific Island countries cooperation center of poverty reduction and development, and prepare for building a China-Pacific Island countries reserve of emergency supplies.

China understands the special concerns of small island developing states on climate change and will support Pacific Island countries in improving their capability to cope with climate change.

Tupou VI congratulated China on successfully hosting the National Games and wished the Beijing Winter Olympic Games a complete success.

He said his country is grateful for the important role Chinese medical and agritech experts have played in Tonga's fight against COVID-19 and efforts to ensure food security.

Tonga, he said, sticks to independence and self-reliance, steadfastly upholds the one-China policy, and will continue to firmly support China on issues concerning China's core interests.

He added that Tonga supports Pacific Island countries in strengthening ties with China and is ready to play a positive role in this regard. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly via video, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday proposed a Global Development Initiative, calling for bolstering confidence and jointly addressing global threats and challenges to build a better world for all.

Xi made the remarks at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via video, as the world faces the combined impacts of changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic.

BEATING COVID-19

Right now, COVID-19 is still raging in the world, with the number of new cases rising every day globally. "We must beat COVID-19 and win this decisive fight crucial to the future of humanity," Xi said, voicing confidence that "we humanity will surely overcome it and prevail" despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic may appear overwhelming.

He called for putting people and their lives first, taking a science-based approach in origins tracing, enhancing coordinated global COVID-19 response and minimizing the risk of cross-border virus transmission.

Noting that vaccination is a powerful weapon against COVID-19, Xi said the pressing priority is to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines globally.

He reiterated the pledge that China will strive to provide a total of two billion doses of vaccines to the world by the end of this year. "In addition to donating 100 million US dollars to COVAX, China will donate 100 million doses of vaccines to other developing countries in the course of this year."

The role of China is even more critical at a time when some countries have adopted a selfish strategy of vaccine nationalism and even put restrictions on export of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical supplies, said Nadeem Irfan Bukhari, a professor from University of the Punjab, Pakistan.

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

"Development holds the key to people's well-being," Xi said, adding that countries need to work together to steer global development toward a new stage of balanced, coordinated and inclusive growth.

He made a six-pronged Global Development Initiative, including staying committed to development as a priority, staying committed to a people-centered approach, staying committed to benefits for all, staying committed to innovation-driven development, staying committed to harmony between man and nature and staying committed to results-oriented actions.

"We need to increase input in development, advance on a priority basis cooperation on poverty alleviation, food security, COVID-19 response and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity, among other areas, and accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to build a global community of development with a shared future," he said.

To support developing countries in responding to COVID-19 and promoting economic and social recovery, China has pledged an additional three billion US dollars of international assistance in the next three years.

China will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, he said, pledging that the country will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy.

"This is another remarkable step taken by China on its own initiative to cope with the global climate change, as Xi earlier announced China's pledge to strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060," said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies.

REJECTING FORMING SMALL CIRCLES

"We need to advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity, and reject the practice of forming small circles or zero-sum games," Xi said.

Democracy is not a special right reserved to an individual country, but a right for the people of all countries to enjoy, the Chinese president stressed.

Ruan said that some countries are keen to gang up in the name of democracy, wantonly interfering in other countries' internal affairs and even arbitrarily suppressing normal development of other countries and people's legitimate right to live better lives.

"Recent developments in the global situation show once again that military intervention from the outside and so-called democratic transformation entail nothing but harm," Xi said.

He called for building a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, equity, justice and win-win cooperation, and doing the best to "expand the convergence of interests" and "achieve the biggest synergy possible."

"One country's success does not have to mean another country's failure, and the world is big enough to accommodate common development and progress of all countries,” he said, adding that differences and problems among countries need to be handled through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

PRACTICING TRUE MULTILATERALISM

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. Xi said China will solemnly commemorate this historic event and advance cooperation with the UN to a new level and make new and greater contributions to promoting the noble cause of the UN.

"The UN should hold high the banner of true multilateralism and serve as the central platform for countries to jointly safeguard universal security, share development achievements and chart the course for the future of the world," Xi stressed.

Ruan said that some countries claimed to safeguard "the rules-based international order" under the banner of multilateralism, yet what they actually did was framing their own rules as international rules and imposing them on other countries.

The Chinese president called on the UN to increase the representation and say of developing countries in international affairs, and take the lead in advancing democracy and rule of law in international relations.

"It should set common agenda (in the areas of security, development and human rights), highlight pressing issues and focus on real actions, and see to it that commitments made by all parties to multilateralism are truly delivered," he added. 

BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the General Debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and deliver important remarks via video link on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced Monday.

BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on teachers to provide good guidance to students, as he greeted teachers across the country ahead of China's Teachers' Day that falls on Friday this year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a reply letter to representatives of model teaching units named after late geophysicist Huang Danian, a professor at Jilin University. Huang helped China make advances in deep-earth exploration.

A good teacher should be one who has both profound knowledge to share and moral integrity to lead, said Xi, urging model teachers, along with all their colleagues in colleges and universities across China, to continue to cultivate their virtue, focus on teaching and keep on innovating.

Xi said teachers shall provide good guidance to students and nurture them into capable young people who have good and all-round moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetical grounding and are well-prepared to join the socialist cause.

Following Xi's important instruction on learning from Huang's exemplary deeds, the Ministry of Education in 2017 started to identify and honor model teaching units. The first 201 such units were selected from 200 colleges and universities.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), Sept. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on young officials to firm up their ideals, stay loyal to the Party, seek truth from facts, shoulder responsibilities, and strive to become the backbone of a society trusted by the Party and people with important tasks.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance).

Noting that young officials are born and live in a great era, Xi said they are the vital contingent for the cause of the Party and the people.

The CPC has always been a Party harboring lofty ideals and indomitable conviction, Xi said, adding that the ideals and conviction refer to the belief in Marxism, the great ideal of Communism and a shared ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Only with these ideals and conviction can CPC members and officials be able to withstand all tests, go steady and reach far, Xi said.

He said staying loyal to the Party is the best demonstration of the ideals and conviction, stressing that such loyalty has a clear gauge in peaceful times -- upholding the Party's leadership and resolutely safeguarding the authority as well as the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi encouraged young officials to strive for the honor of being stationed in harsh and remote places. "Success rarely comes without arduousness and rich experience," he said.

Stressing reality-based solutions, Xi urged young officials to visit the primary level to learn about development and defect while absorbing both praise and criticism, so that they can gain a thorough understanding of the real situation.

Xi called on young officials to include honest words, deeds and personality as an important part of honing their Party spirit.

Xi underlined fulfilling duties and shouldering responsibilities as what gives value to officials. "We must be brave and resolute to do anything that is good for the Party and the people," he said.

Upholding principles is an important character trait of communists, and a crucial standard to evaluate an official's competence, Xi said, adding that all Party officials should be fair and just in performing duties and leave no place for personal favor in their work.

DARE TO STRUGGLE

Warning of the significantly increased risks and challenges as the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered a critical period, Xi told young officials to "cast away illusions and dare to struggle."

On matters of principle, no concession shall be made, Xi said. He urged young officials to safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests with "unprecedented" determination and quality.

"Communists should have character, integrity, and courage so that we'll never be taken in by fallacies, never tremble in the face of danger, and never be spineless cowards," he said.

Xi urged young officials to revere the Party, the people, the law and discipline, and always put the Party and the people at the center of their hearts.

Highlighting the current era of unprecedented changes and the Party's unprecedented great cause, Xi said young officials should cherish time, study assiduously, and read more good books.

Stressing the significance of practice, Xi also called on them to sum up and reflect on experience accumulated in practice.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony.

A file photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Photo by Li Xiang/Xinhua via Getty Images)

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday demanded that authorities at all levels must give top priority to ensuring people's safety and property, and carefully and strictly implement the flood prevention and disaster relief measures.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an important instruction after continuous heavy rainfall hit regions including central China's Henan Province, causing heavy casualties and property losses.

The rainfall has made the flood control situation very severe, causing severe waterlogging in Zhengzhou and other cities, water levels in some rivers exceeding alarm levels, and damages to dams of some reservoirs, Xi said, adding that sections of railways have also been shut down, and some flights have been canceled.

Xi stressed that authorities at all levels must always put people's safety and property first, and take the lead in fighting the floods.

He ordered authorities at all levels to promptly organize flood prevention and disaster relief forces, properly accommodate those affected, strictly prevent secondary disasters, and minimize casualties and property losses.

The People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force must actively assist local authorities in emergency rescue and relief work, said Xi.

He urged the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the emergency management, water resources and transport ministries to enhance coordination, locate hidden dangers, and shore up the protection of major infrastructure.

Relevant departments should also improve the system for early warnings and forecasts of rainfall, typhoons, mountain torrents and mudslides, step up efforts on traffic management, and take detailed and practical flood prevention and disaster relief measures, said Xi.

He also stressed the need to take solid measures to assist those affected by the floods, and to strengthen hygiene and disease control so as to ward off epidemics and prevent people from returning to poverty due to disasters.