Chinese President Xi Jinping turned a routine tree-planting activity into an immersive lesson on environmental stewardship during a visit with students in Beijing on Thursday. Engaging with young learners, he asked about their daily routines, school meals, and breaks—emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities and physical health. “Building a beautiful China starts with planting saplings, but it also requires nurturing young minds,” Xi remarked as he shoveled soil alongside the children.
The event marked President Xi’s 13th consecutive year participating in China’s national spring tree-planting campaign, reinforcing his long-standing focus on ecological conservation. During the activity, he highlighted the need to “mobilize all of society” to green urban and rural landscapes, combat desertification, and protect biodiversity. Analysts note that such initiatives align with China’s broader climate goals, including its pledge to peak carbon emissions by 2030.
The interaction also underscored the role of youth in sustainable development, a recurring theme in Xi’s public engagements. By integrating environmental education with hands-on activities, the initiative aims to cultivate eco-awareness among future generations. For investors and policymakers, the event signals continued state priority on green industries, from afforestation projects to eco-tourism.
