Northwest China's Qinghai Province is gaining steam in turning its abundant natural resources into growth drivers while speeding up ecological preservation and building a green and low-carbon modern industrial system, according to the provincial governor.
Qinghai is rich in resources with its potassium salt, magnesium salt and lithium salt accounting for more than 80 percent of the national reserves.
Its hydropower resource ranks fifth nationwide, annual total solar radiation at the second place of China, and a wind farm being the fourth biggest of the country.
Relying on the unique high-altitude resources, Qinghai has been forging itself into a first-rate salt lake industrial base, a national clean energy industry highland, an international ecotourism destination, and an export destination of organic agricultural and livestock products.
"In terms of building a world-class industrial base of salt lake, we've conquered multiple world-level technical cruxes, codified 10 national and industrial standards, shaping industrial clusters in potassium, sodium, magnesium and chlorine. In 2023, the production value of salt lake sector reached over 58 billion yuan (about 8.01 billion U.S. dollars), with potash fertilizer taking up 77 percent of the total nationwide. With these achievements, Qinghai has made its due contribution to China's food security, and development of new energy and new materials," said Wu Xiaojun, governor of Qinghai Province, at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.
Qinghai's installed clean energy capacity has topped 51 million kilowatts, taking up 93 percent of the national total. While its installed capacity of new energy has exceeded 38 million kilowatts, which is 69 percent of the total.
Meanwhile, it already has a relatively complete industrial chain for photovoltaic manufacturing.
In 2023, the province's export volume of solar cells doubled and that of its lithium batteries more than tripled.
Qinghai turning rich resources into growth drivers: governor
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
