Xi Jinping calls for mobilization of the whole society for tree planting

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for the mobilization of the whole society to actively participate in reforestation, stressing that a quality ecological environment belongs to all and requires joint efforts.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a voluntary tree planting in Beijing.

In the morning, he arrived at the tree-planting site in Changping county along with other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi. Xi greeted those gathered and then took up a shovel to engage in a planting exercise in which he planted seedlings of various kinds of trees.

During the planting, he asked the children about their studies, daily life, participation in work and sports, and involvement in tree planting. He stressed the importance of setting big goals at a young age, developing a love for education, work and nature, and striving to become pillars of society.

Xi also held discussions with officials and the public at the site. He pointed out that China has seen a steady increase in forest area and timber supply and a continued reduction in desert and sandy areas, making it the country with the largest and fastest increase in green space in the world.

Xi praised the adoption of the Ecological and Environmental Code in March, which he said strengthens the legal basis for building a „Beautiful China“.

Xi said reforestation is a key task in building a Beautiful China, so he called for persistent and solid efforts to continue this initiative.

This year marks the first year of implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and the 45th anniversary of the nationwide voluntary tree planting campaign, Xi recalled.

According to him, the new conditions for afforestation should put more emphasis on improving quality, developing related sectors and bringing benefits to people. He also stressed the importance of providing opportunities for realising the value of organic products and coordinated development of green spaces in urban and rural areas.

CMG