China attaches great importance to international water cooperation and is committed to working with countries to address relevant challenges, said a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Monday.
Mao Ning, the spokeswoman, made the comment over the 10th World Water Forum 2024 held in Indonesia's Bali last week. "The forum received positive response and extensive participation from the international community. It provides an important platform for the world to address water challenges, build water-related consensuses, and share successful water governance experiences. In recent years, extreme weather events have frequently occurred around the world, and the complexity and uncertainty of floods and droughts have significantly increased. The Chinese government attaches great importance to international water cooperation and is committed to working with countries including Indonesia to jointly address the challenges of climate change," Mao said.
The spokeswoman mentioned extensive exchanges and cooperation between China and Indonesia over water resource management and natural disaster prevention in recent years, which she noted is of great significance to promoting sustainable economic and social development.
"Water resources are the cornerstone of mankind's survival and development. China is willing to strengthen pragmatic water cooperation with other countries around the world, exchange water management concepts, discuss good water management concepts, share water management experience, and jointly build a water management platform to accelerate the implementation of water-related goals of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We will work together to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity," Mao said.
China values international water cooperation: spokeswoman
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
