A decade ago, President Xi Jinping hosted world leaders at the APEC summit in Beijing. Back then, the air quality in the Chinese capital was a source of concern, with clear skies nicknamed “APEC blue” seen as a temporary phenomenon. Xi assured those leaders of China’s commitment to environmental protection, promising the “APEC blue” would become permanent.
Fast forward to today, President Xi is again discussing environmental issues, this time with national political advisors. He highlighted the remarkable progress made in Beijing’s air quality and the nation’s environmental efforts over the past decade. This progress is exemplified by the story of Huang Miansong, a manager from a Beijing environmental protection company. Since 2012, with China’s unwavering focus on environmental protection, Huang’s company’s revenue has skyrocketed, nearly doubling its workforce along the way.
Xi’s vision of prioritizing ecological well-being has driven significant change. In 2013, China became the first developing nation to implement comprehensive measures to tackle PM2.5 air pollution. The results have been dramatic. Nationwide, average PM2.5 concentrations have fallen from 46 micrograms per cubic meter in 2015 to 30 in 2023. In Beijing itself, the concentration has plummeted from 89.5 mcg/m³ to 32 mcg/m³ during the same period, with the number of heavy air pollution days dropping from 58 to just 8.
This fight against air pollution has had a significant economic impact. Between 2013 and 2023, China estimates air pollution treatment spurred investments of around 4 trillion yuan, leading to a GDP growth of 5 trillion yuan. Xi emphasized the role of science and technology in tackling pollution, citing the rise of new energy vehicles as a key driver of environmental progress.
China’s leadership in new energy vehicles is undeniable. In 2023, the country produced and sold nearly 10 million new energy vehicles, while exporting over 1.2 million – a 77.6% year-on-year increase.
President Xi made it clear on Wednesday that China’s commitment to clean air remains unwavering. The draft national budget proposes allocating 34 billion yuan for air pollution prevention and control, ensuring continued support for clean heating solutions in northern regions during winter.
Eradicating air pollution is a long-term goal outlined by Xi in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized the need for continued action and a focus on both traditional and emerging environmental challenges. “We must fully and accurately follow the principles of fighting pollution in a precise, scientific and lawful manner,” Xi said, underscoring the importance of a green and low-carbon future for China’s economy and society.