China has unveiled sweeping progress in natural resource management, energy security, and ecological restoration under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), with officials highlighting breakthroughs in oil, gas, and uranium exploration alongside significant gains in marine economic growth and biodiversity protection.
At a State Council press conference on September 10, Natural Resources Minister Guan Zhiou announced the confirmation of 10 large oilfields and 19 major gas fields during the plan period. Deep-earth and deep-sea exploration now sustains annual crude oil production of 200 million tonnes and natural gas output exceeding 240 billion cubic meters, reinforcing China’s energy resilience. Newly identified uranium deposits further bolster clean energy development.
Agricultural stability saw national cultivated land expand to 1.94 billion mu (129 million hectares) by 2024, up 28 million mu from 2020. Meanwhile, the marine economy surged to 10.5 trillion yuan ($1.46 trillion), driven by advancements in offshore energy and biotechnology. 'China now hosts one of the world’s most comprehensive marine industry systems,' said State Oceanic Administration Director Sun Shuxian.
Ecological milestones include an 80 million mu restoration of landscapes and wetlands, while the Three-North Shelterbelt Program planted trees across 164 million mu. Forest coverage rose to 25.09%, and flagship projects like the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park reported thriving populations of endangered species. 'National parks now integrate conservation with local livelihoods through eco-tourism and community partnerships,' noted Liu Guohong of the National Forest and Grassland Administration.
Looking ahead, Vice Minister Zhuang Shaoqin emphasized ongoing reforms to clarify natural resource ownership and enhance sustainable utilization. These achievements, officials said, position China to balance economic growth with long-term ecological health as it transitions to its 15th Five-Year Plan.
