The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced on Tuesday new sector-specific initiatives aimed at enhancing energy conservation and carbon reduction, underscoring China's commitment to a comprehensive green transformation of its economic and social development.
Speaking at a press briefing, an NDRC spokesperson emphasized the considerable potential for upgrades across various sectors to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Currently, over 60 percent of existing boilers, motors, transformers, and other equipment operate below the levels of advanced efficiency, while more than one-third of existing buildings fall short of national energy-saving standards.
The forthcoming measures will include comprehensive energy efficiency diagnostics and the widespread adoption of advanced technologies, which are expected to steadily decrease energy consumption.
"We must integrate energy-saving and carbon-reduction transformations in key sectors with large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods replacement initiatives. We will conduct thorough energy efficiency diagnostics for key energy-consuming units, explore in depth the energy-saving potential in industries, buildings, transportation, and public institutions, and expedite the upgrading of energy-saving and carbon-reduction measures and the renewal of energy-consuming equipment," said NDRC spokesperson Li Chao.
China is planning to enhance the energy-saving review system for fixed-asset investment projects and strengthen both during- and after-implementation supervision.
The government will also accelerate the development and revision of energy-saving standards and improve energy conservation supervision in accordance with the law.
China launches sector-specific initiatives for energy conservation, carbon reduction
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
