China's progress in developing green hydrogen fuel plants is paving the way for a more sustainable future, said Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Secretary-General, Assistant UNDP Administrator and director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Beijing on Wednesday, which is the 2024 International Day for Biodiversity.
Wignaraja arrived in China on May 19 for a five-day visit, during which she visited several cities in east China including Changshu and Suzhou. During her stay, she spoke with China Global Television Network (CGTN) about the relationship between humans and nature, and shared her insights on the development of China's green hydrogen fuel plants.
"The serenity of nature is part of that peacefulness. Just think when you feel anxious, just walk in a forest, sitting by the sea and listening to the waves, right? Watching the sunset or the sunrise, just think what individually it does to you. Now, just think what it can do for the world as a whole. So, why would we be destroying nature and all the species that actually have given us life. So, I think we have to sit back, and this is an amazing day that gives us a moment to reflect," she said.
While Wignaraja was in Changshu City, she observed operation of the local hydrogen fuel cell plant and the industrial chain. She emphasized the potential of the relevant technology to upgrade various industries, noting that China's efforts in promoting green development could be replicated globally.
"In Changshu, we saw the hydrogen fuel cell plant, the parts that make up for this and the whole chain. We saw refueling stations. We saw what the potential can be for other industries. We look back at history and it's a short history -- 20, 25 years -- but it helps you look forward and you say, my goodness, this truly can change the world, not only China. But, China for us is an amazing, very large demonstration project. If you can do it here and perfect the technology and the applications, this you can use anywhere," she said.
China's green hydrogen fuel plants building paves way for more sustainable future: UN official
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
