Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged full societal participation in afforestation efforts during a voluntary tree-planting activity in Beijing this week, emphasizing that "a sound ecological environment is shared by all and requires joint efforts." The leader, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, personally joined officials and citizens in the annual spring initiative.
This year's campaign builds on China's ongoing environmental revitalization program launched in 2023, which aims to increase forest coverage to 26% of total land area by 2035. Analysts note the timing aligns with renewed climate commitments ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference scheduled for late 2026.
While participating in the activity at Beijing's Nansha River ecological restoration zone, President Xi highlighted the need for "continuous, science-based greening efforts" to support sustainable development. The event saw participation from Premier Li Qiang and other senior officials, reinforcing cross-sector commitment to ecological civilization goals.
