China-Xi’s Classical Quotes/Ecological Conservation

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Chinese President Xi Jinping drew wisdom from ancient Chinese classics to highlight the importance of ecological conservation when addressing the opening ceremony of the International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing in April 2019.

In his speech, the president stressed the balance between ecological conservation and human development, urging the world to follow a philosophy that cares for nature.

“‘Well-measured use of natural resources’ is the key to ecological conservation. We need to promote a simpler, greener and low-carbon lifestyle, oppose excessiveness and foster a culture of living green and living healthy. We need to raise people’s awareness, develop a conservation system in which everyone plays a part, and incorporate mainstream ecological conservation into every aspect of social life,” Xi said.

The quote “Well-measured use of natural resources” was taken from a policy proposal from Lu Zhi in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Lu held that what nature can offer and what humans can produce both have their limits, so people should obtain and use natural resources in a measured and restrained manner.

The Chinese government today has learned from the ancient wisdom and incorporated the idea in its efforts to pursue green development. Notably, China aims to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

The remarks are included in the second season of video series “Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping” produced by China Media Group. Ahead of President Xi’s upcoming trip to Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS Summit and state visit to South Africa, the program started to be broadcast in 62 mainstream media outlets in 38 countries in Africa from Sunday.

The series, featuring Xi’s quotes from ancient Chinese stories and classics in his speeches and articles, vividly demonstrates Xi’s extensive and profound cultural attainment and his deep concern about the people and his deep love for the nation. It also extracts and interprets the broad and profound traditional Chinese culture that contains the connotation of the new era and the values of globalization.