Theoretical Reflection on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological …
165
wealth. This is also an overarching principle in advancing modernization. In 2017,
Xi further noted that the practice of seeking economic growth at the cost of the
environment should be abandoned, and that efforts should be made to ensure that a
sound environment becomes the source of better life for the people, support for sound
and sustainable development of the economy and society and the focus of efforts to
polish China’s national image. In response to misunderstandings of the principle
as was shown in practice, Xi pointed out during the “two sessions” of 2019 that it
was necessary to maintain the strong determination to strengthen ecological development. Fundamentally, protecting the environment and developing the economy
are mutually reinforcing. When meeting with difficulties in economic development,
[local governments] should not seek to blindly launch new projects with the aim
of trading the environment for economic growth, nor stepping over the ecological
red lines. In the process of gear-shifting from high-speed economic growth to highquality development, pollution control is a key point. We must press ahead despite
all difficulties. We must maintain our focus on protecting the environment.
In regard to the economic theory regarding the relationship between a good environment and material wealth, or the relationship between environmental protection
and productivity, Xi made an analogy during the “two sessions” of 2014: Why are
lucid waters and lush mountains invaluable assets? Fish seeks waters with aquatic
plants to live, and birds choose to perch on fine woods. If conditions are good, who
wouldn’t want to invest, pursue a career, live and travel in a place with lucid waters
and lush mountains? In this sense, lucid waters and lush mountains are natural assets
as well as social and economic assets. In 2015, Xi stressed at the Central Conference
for Poverty Reduction and Development that it is necessary to make better use of the
land, labour force, assets and natural scenery in poor areas through reform and innovation, and turn resources into assets, money into equity, farmers into shareholders
and lucid waters and lush mountains into sources of income for the poor population.
Regarding how to put the principle of lucid waters and lush mountains being
invaluable assets into action, Xi stressed, “We must pursue development that is
innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared, and accelerate the formation of
spatial patterns, industrial structures, modes of production and lifestyles conducive
to resource conservation and environmental protection. We must give the environment the time and space that it needs to rest and recuperate.” “We must establish an
economic system aimed at integrating industries and ecosystems; and promote green
development across the board.” Green development is essential for establishing a
modern and high-quality economic system, and is key to resolving pollution problems. It is imperative to adjust the economic and energy structures, improve the
distribution of spaces available for development, adjust the distribution of industries within regions and river basins, grow industries that promote energy conservation, environmental protection, clean production and clean energy, facilitate allround conservation and recycling of resources, ensure that the systems of production and everyday life overlap in their circular use of resources, advocate a green
and low-carbon lifestyle of moderation and frugality, and oppose extravagance and
unjustifiable consumption.
165
wealth. This is also an overarching principle in advancing modernization. In 2017,
Xi further noted that the practice of seeking economic growth at the cost of the
environment should be abandoned, and that efforts should be made to ensure that a
sound environment becomes the source of better life for the people, support for sound
and sustainable development of the economy and society and the focus of efforts to
polish China’s national image. In response to misunderstandings of the principle
as was shown in practice, Xi pointed out during the “two sessions” of 2019 that it
was necessary to maintain the strong determination to strengthen ecological development. Fundamentally, protecting the environment and developing the economy
are mutually reinforcing. When meeting with difficulties in economic development,
[local governments] should not seek to blindly launch new projects with the aim
of trading the environment for economic growth, nor stepping over the ecological
red lines. In the process of gear-shifting from high-speed economic growth to highquality development, pollution control is a key point. We must press ahead despite
all difficulties. We must maintain our focus on protecting the environment.
In regard to the economic theory regarding the relationship between a good environment and material wealth, or the relationship between environmental protection
and productivity, Xi made an analogy during the “two sessions” of 2014: Why are
lucid waters and lush mountains invaluable assets? Fish seeks waters with aquatic
plants to live, and birds choose to perch on fine woods. If conditions are good, who
wouldn’t want to invest, pursue a career, live and travel in a place with lucid waters
and lush mountains? In this sense, lucid waters and lush mountains are natural assets
as well as social and economic assets. In 2015, Xi stressed at the Central Conference
for Poverty Reduction and Development that it is necessary to make better use of the
land, labour force, assets and natural scenery in poor areas through reform and innovation, and turn resources into assets, money into equity, farmers into shareholders
and lucid waters and lush mountains into sources of income for the poor population.
Regarding how to put the principle of lucid waters and lush mountains being
invaluable assets into action, Xi stressed, “We must pursue development that is
innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared, and accelerate the formation of
spatial patterns, industrial structures, modes of production and lifestyles conducive
to resource conservation and environmental protection. We must give the environment the time and space that it needs to rest and recuperate.” “We must establish an
economic system aimed at integrating industries and ecosystems; and promote green
development across the board.” Green development is essential for establishing a
modern and high-quality economic system, and is key to resolving pollution problems. It is imperative to adjust the economic and energy structures, improve the
distribution of spaces available for development, adjust the distribution of industries within regions and river basins, grow industries that promote energy conservation, environmental protection, clean production and clean energy, facilitate allround conservation and recycling of resources, ensure that the systems of production and everyday life overlap in their circular use of resources, advocate a green
and low-carbon lifestyle of moderation and frugality, and oppose extravagance and
unjustifiable consumption.