China achieved record-breaking investment in water infrastructure projects for the first quarter of the year, realizing an increase in both the number and the scale of projects compared to last year, as reported by the Ministry of Water Resources on Monday. During the first three months, China implemented 23,500 water projects nationwide, with ongoing projects valued at approximately 4.7 trillion yuan (around 649 billion U.S. dollars). This represents a 15.8 percent increase in the number of projects and a 12.3 percent rise in their total value compared to the same period last year. Significantly, 687 major projects -- each with an investment exceeding 100 million yuan (about 13.8 million U.S. dollars) -- commenced in the quarter, marking a substantial increase of 94.6 percent over the previous year. The first quarter saw total investment in water infrastructure reach 778.7 billion yuan (around 107.5 billion U.S. dollars), reflecting a dramatic increase of 93.3 percent from last year. Construction spending specifically accounted for 193.3 billion yuan (around 26.7 billion U.S. dollars), up by 4.4 percent, setting a new record for the period. The ministry has accelerated major water projects, including the completion of the Pearl River Delta water distribution project in south China and the advancement of the South-to-North Water Diversion project in the country's central region. Since the start of the year, 13 significant water projects have been launched, including the river reach management of the Yangtze River's Tongling section in Anhui, as well as the Leping Water Conservancy Project in Jiangxi, both located in east China.
China reports record high investment in water projects in Q1
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
