China has made significant strides in ecological protection in recent years and has restored grasslands of an area equivalent to the size of Belgium each year since the launch of the country's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA).
The country has been stepping up efforts to preserve and restore its vast grasslands, which cover some 267 million hectares -- more than any other nation -- and has developed comprehensive systems for grassland monitoring, protection, restoration, law enforcement, grassland industry development, and technical support over the past few years as part of a wider environmental push.
These efforts have been bolstered by the integration of grassland conservation into the national forest management framework, leading to substantial improvements in governance and ecological outcomes.
Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period four years ago, the central government has invested heavily in grassland conservation, with total funding reaching 110 billion yuan (around 15 billion U.S. dollars).
This investment has enabled the restoration of over 3 million hectares of grassland annually, while also addressing over 6 million hectares of rodent and pest infestations each year. The result has been a significant increase in grassland productivity, with an annual fresh grass yield exceeding 550 million tons.
One of the most notable achievements has been in the 'Three-North' region, an expansive area which spans across northern China and is home to the Gobi Desert. The efforts undertaken taken here have helped to effectively combat desertification and restore vital grasslands, according to Li Yongjun, director of the NFGA's grassland management department.
"In particular, the Three-North region boasts around 147 million hectares of grasslands, which serve as a crucial ecological barrier in northern China. The Horqin Sandy Land is regaining its former savannah landscape, with sparse trees dotting the grassy plains. Meanwhile, the sand sources in the northern upwind positions of Beijing and Tianjin have significantly decreased, making the national ecological security barrier more robust," he said.
China restores grassland area equivalent to size of Belgium each year amid ecological protection push
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
