The Three-North “Shelterbelt” Forest Program, overseas police stations, the CTPTT, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Michael Horlick, MPM, M Ed., PMP
Educator, Lexicographer, and Incurable Idealist
?Terms to note from today’s PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference:?
CPTPP? [CPTPP]? CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, 全面与进步跨太平洋伙伴关系协定 quán miàn yǔ jìn bù kuà tài píng yáng huǒ bàn guān xì xié dìng):?
Today’s quote:
关于CPTPP，中方立场是一贯、明确的。中方坚定倡导贸易自由化便利化，积极参与亚太区域合作和经济一体化。我们主动对接国际高标准经贸规则，积极扩大自主开发，推动加入CPTPP进程，与各方就此保持着接触、沟通和磋商。?
China’s position on the CPTPP is consistent and clear. China firmly champions trade liberalization and facilitation and actively participates in the regional cooperation and economic integration of the Asia-Pacific. We have taken the initiative to align with high-standard international trade rules, taken proactive steps to expand opening up, and advanced the process of joining the CPTPP. We are in contact, communication and consultation with all parties on this.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 自申请加入CPTPP以来，中方按照加入程序与各成员进行了沟通和磋商。中方已对协定内容开展了充分、全面和深入的研究评估，主动对标CPTPP规则推进相关领域政策调整和修立法工作，还就货物贸易、服务贸易、投资等领域的市场准入出价做好准备。中方完全有信心、有能力达到协定的高标准。同时，我们主动对接国际高标准经贸规则，积极开展相关领域改革和先行先试，取得良好效果。下一步，中方将继续按照有关程序，与CPTPP各成员国开展多渠道、各层次的深入沟通和交流，积极推动加入CPTPP进程。?
Since applying to join the CPTPP, China has conducted communication and consultations with CPTPP members according to the accession procedures. China has fully, comprehensively and thoroughly studied and assessed the content of the agreement. It has advanced policy adjustments, law amendments and legislative work in related fields with reference to CPTPP rules, and made preparations for market access offers regarding trade in goods, trade in services and investment. China is fully confident in and capable of meeting the high standards of the agreement. At the same time, to promote alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules, we have launched reforms and pilot programs in relevant fields, and have made good progress. In the next step, China will continue to engage deeply with CPTPP members through carious channels and at all levels in accordance with relevant procedures, and move forward with the accession process.? (MOFCOM Regular Press Conference_March 21, 2024)?
?? 中方先后于2021年9月和11月正式申请加入CPTPP和DEPA，并积极推进相关进程。关于CPTPP，中方已对协定全部条款进行了深入全面的分析、研究和评估，梳理了可能需要采取的改革举措和修改的法律法规，并在有条件的自贸试验区和海南自贸港主动对照先行先试。目前，中方正按照加入程序，与各成员进行沟通和磋商。... 中国真诚希望与各国一道，在开放的大舞台上相向而行、相互成就。中方期待早日加入CPTPP和DEPA，愿与各方共同努力，积极推进区域经济一体化和贸易投资自由化便利化，为世界经济复苏作出积极贡献。?
China officially applied to join the CPTPP and DEPA in September and November 2021 respectively and has worked actively to advance relevant process. With regard to the CPTPP, China has conducted in-depth and comprehensive analysis, research and evaluation of all the provisions of the agreement, sorted out measures, laws and regulations that may need reform or revision, and proactively tried out initiatives in the pilot free trade zones where conditions allow and the Hainan Free Trade Port. At present, China is communicating and consulting with CPTPP members in accordance with the accession procedures. ... China sincerely hopes to work with other countries to meet each other halfway and achieve common development through opening up. China looks forward to joining the CPTPP and DEPA at an early date, and stands ready to work with all parties to actively promote regional economic integration, trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and make positive contributions to world economic recovery.? (MOFCOM Regular Press Conference_November 9, 2023)?
?? 去年11月20日，习近平主席在亚太经合组织领导人非正式会议上对外提出，中国积极考虑加入CPTPP，去年12月，中央经济工作会议再次提出，中国要积极考虑加入CPTPP。?
On November 20, 2020, President Xi Jinping announced at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting that China will favorably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In December last year, the Central Economic Work Conference proposed once again to favorably consider joining the CPTPP.? (SCIO briefing on Speeding up High-Quality Development of Commerce and Serving the Building of the New Development Paradigm_2021_02_24)?
?? CPTPP涵盖的内容十分广泛，目前我们在做两方面的工作：一是我们在内部对CPTPP的所有条款，包括你刚刚提到的条款，进行评估、研究和深入的分析，我们在做内部的作业。二是对外方面，我们已经和CPTPP11个成员中的一些成员进行了非正式接触，我们也计划和其他成员再进行非正式接触，就涉及到的问题进行技术层面的沟通和交流，以便我们对相关的协议内容有更准确的了解和把握。?
The CPTPP covers a wide range of issues. We are now working on two fronts. First, internally we are doing our homework, that is, carrying out assessment, research and in-depth analysis on all CPTPP provisions, including those you just mentioned. Second, externally, we have already had informal contacts with some of the 11 members of the CPTPP, and plan to have further informal contacts with other members to communicate at the technical level on issues involved, so that we can have a more accurate understanding of the agreement.? (SCIO briefing on Speeding up High-Quality Development of Commerce and Serving the Building of the New Development Paradigm_2021_02_24)
Today’s quote:
所谓“中国海外警察站”根本不存在。中国执法机关严格根据国际法开展对外执法合作，充分尊重外国法律和司法主权，依法保障犯罪嫌疑人合法权益。中国执法机关严格根据国际法开展对外执法合作，充分尊重外国法律和司法主权，依法保障犯罪嫌疑人合法权益。?
There is no so-called Chinese police service stations overseas at all. China’s law enforcement agencies carry out cooperation in international law enforcement in strict accordance with international law, fully respects other countries’ laws and judicial sovereignty and safeguard the lawful rights and interests of the suspects.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中方已多次就有关问题阐明立场，所谓海外“警察站”根本不存在。中国一贯坚持不干涉内政原则，严格遵守国际法，尊重各国司法主权。我们敦促加方停止散布虚假信息，停止污蔑抹黑中国。?
On this question, we have made our position clear multiple times. There is no so-called Chinese overseas “police stations.” China is committed to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, strictly abides by international law and respects the judicial sovereignty of all countries. We urge Canada to stop spreading disinformation and stop vilifying China.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 15, 2024)?
?? 我们已经多次就相关论调表明立场。我要强调的是，根本不存在所谓的海外“警察站”。中国一贯坚持不干涉内政原则，严格遵守国际法，尊重各国司法主权。希望有关方面基于事实理性看待，不要借题发挥，污蔑抹黑中国。?
We have made our position clear multiple times on this sort of rhetoric. I need to stress again that there is no so-called overseas police stations. China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. China strictly abides by international law and respects all countries’ judicial sovereignty. We hope parties concerned will look at this factually and rationally and not dramatize it or make unwarranted accusations against China.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 13, 2023)?
?? 根本不存在所谓的海外“警察站”，有关机构从事的活动是协助新冠疫情期间无法回国的中国公民办理中国驾驶证期满换证体检服务，根本不是所谓的“警察站”或“警察服务中心”。有关活动由当地热心侨团提供场所，志愿服务人员均是当地热心侨胞，不是中国警务人员。随着疫情形势变化，加之有关服务已开通线上办理，有关服务站已经关闭。中国一贯坚持不干涉内政原则，严格遵守国际法，尊重各国司法主权。我们敦促加方停止散布虚假信息，停止污蔑抹黑中国。?
There is no so-called overseas police stations. The relevant institutions helped overseas Chinese who could not return to China due to the pandemic renew their driving licence and perform physical examination. They are not so-called police stations or police service centers at all. The local Chinese groups who helped provide venues for the services and the volunteers are Chinese from the local communities who are willing to help their compatriots, not Chinese police personnel. In light of the evolving COVID situation and relevant services now available online, the relevant service centers have been closed. China always upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, strictly observes the international law, and respects the judicial sovereignty of all countries. We urge Canada to stop spreading disinformation and stop smearing and discrediting China.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 15, 2023)?
?? 美方将有关涉侨事务海外服务站和中国外交领事官员恶意关联、无端指责，这完全是政治操弄。关于所谓“海外警察站”，我们已经多次做过介绍，有关说法毫无事实根据，根本不存在你所说的“海外警察站”。中国一贯坚持不干涉内政原则，严格遵守国际法，尊重各国司法主权。希望有关方面不要渲染炒作、借题发挥。?
The US drew malignant association between overseas Chinese service centers and Chinese diplomatic and consular officials and made groundless accusations against China. This is clearly political manipulation. About the “overseas police stations”, we have made it clear many times that the allegation has no factual basis. There are simply no so-called “overseas police stations”. China adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, strictly observes international laws and respects the judicial sovereignty of all countries. We hope relevant parties will not hype up or dramatize this.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on April 18, 2023)
Today’s quote:
中国是世界上遭受荒漠化危害最严重的国家之一。中国政府高度重视，持续推进荒漠化综合防治和“三北”等重点生态工程建设，推动53%的可治理沙化土地得到有效治理，实现了生态保护与民生改善的良性循环，也为全球防沙治沙进程作出了贡献。今年是中国签署《联合国防治荒漠化公约》30周年。30年来，中国积极履行《公约》，扎实开展防沙治沙国际合作，开拓“一带一路”防治荒漠化合作机制。中国还与同样面临荒漠化问题的中亚、非洲国家分享治沙技术和经验，提供技能培训，为“全球南方”共谋绿色发展注入动力。下周，《联合国防治荒漠化公约》第十六次缔约方大会将在沙特举行，中方将派代表团与会，为全球荒漠化防治提供“中国方案”，与各方携手为地球增添更多绿色。?
China is among the countries that suffer most from desertification. The Chinese government attaches great importance to this issue, and has steadily advanced the comprehensive prevention and control of desertification and major ecological conservation projects, such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. We have put 53 percent of treatable sandy land under effective treatment, realized a virtuous cycle of ecological conservation and improvement of people’s life, and contributed to the global effort to combat sandification. This year marks the 30th anniversary of China signing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Over the past three decades, China has taken active effort to implement the convention, carried out international cooperation on combating sandification, and explored mechanisms under Belt and Road cooperation to prevent and control desertification. China has also shared relevant technology and experience and provided training to Central Asian and African countries, which also face the problem of desertification, injecting impetus to the joint pursuit of the Global South for green development. Next week, COP16 of the UNCCD will be held in Saudi Arabia, and China will send a delegation to the meeting to contribute China’s solutions to global effort to combat desertification and join hands with all parties to make Planet Earth greener.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 今天是第30个世界防治荒漠化与干旱日，也是《联合国防治荒漠化公约》通过30周年纪念日。在习近平生态文明思想指引下，中国坚持“绿水青山就是金山银山”的理念，扎实推进荒漠化综合防治和“三北”等重点生态工程建设工作，打好“三北”工程攻坚战，筑牢北方生态安全屏障。“三北”工程建设45年来，累计完成造林保存面积4.8亿亩，治理退化草原12.8亿亩，治理沙化土地5亿亩，重点治理区域实现了从“沙进人退”到“绿进沙退”的历史性转变。我们在塞罕坝创造出世界最大面积的人工林海，在毛乌素实现世界最大面积的生态逆转，在库布其走出了产业治沙的全新路径。中国的努力加快了全球迈向更加清洁美丽世界的步伐。中国在世界范围内率先实现了土地退化零增长，荒漠化土地和沙化土地面积“双减少”，为全球实现2030年土地退化零增长目标作出重要贡献。中国森林覆盖率和森林的蓄积量连续40年保持“双增长”，是全球森林资源增长最多和人工造林面积最大的国家，贡献了全球新增绿化面积的四分之一。中国认真履行《联合国防治荒漠化公约》义务，成功举办了《公约》第十三次缔约方大会等活动，全力推动全球荒漠化防治进程，持续推进荒漠化防治国际合作，毫无保留地向世界分享中国防沙治沙经验。我们与《公约》秘书处共建了“防治荒漠化国际培训中心”、“国际荒漠化防治知识管理中心”。我们通过中非合作论坛、中阿合作论坛等机制积极对接“非洲绿色长城”、“绿色中东”倡议，中阿干旱、荒漠化和土地退化国际研究中心去年成立并启动首批合作项目。去年在蒙古国揭牌的中蒙荒漠化防治合作中心正助力蒙古实施“种植十亿棵树”计划。中外荒漠化治理合作让绿色绵延在越来越多国家的地平线上。荒漠化是全球共同面临的挑战，携手应对是必由之路。中方愿继续同各方分享干旱和荒漠化防治经验，加强土地可持续治理交流，共建人与自然和谐共生的美丽家园。?
Today [June 17] marks the world’s 30th Desertification and Drought Day and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has followed the philosophy that green is gold and made solid efforts in comprehensive desertification prevention and control and developed major ecological projects, such as the Sanbei Protective Forest project, to form a green ecological barrier in northern China. Since 1978, the Sanbei Protective Forest project has added 32 million hectares to afforestation area, and treated 85.3 million hectares of degraded grassland and 33.3 million hectares of desertified land. In key restoration areas, we’ve realized a historic transformation from “sand forcing humans to retreat” to “trees forcing sand to retreat.” We created the world’s largest man-made forest in Saihanba, realized the world’s largest scale ecological restoration project in Maowusu and found a new approach of combating desertification through industry development in Kubuqi. China’s effort turbocharged the process of creating a cleaner and more beautiful world. We are the first country in the world to achieve zero net land degradation and reduce both desertification and sandification, making important contribution to meeting the global goal of zero net land degradation by 2030. China’s forest coverage ratio and forest stock volume have both increased for 40 consecutive years. It is No.1 in the world in terms of forest resource growth and afforestation area and has contributed one fourth of the world’s newly added green area. China earnestly fulfills its obligation under the UNCCD, successfully held events including the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) of the UNCCD, and is making all-out efforts in advancing global desertification prevention and control by promoting international cooperation and sharing experience with the rest of the world with nothing held back. China and the UNCCD Secretariat jointly built the International Training Center on Combating Desertification and the International Knowledge Management Center on Combating Desertification. We are actively forging synergy with the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa and the Middle East Green Initiative through mechanisms including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. The China-Arab International Research Center for Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation was set up last year and the first batch of cooperation projects have been launched. The China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center unveiled in Mongolia last year is now supporting Mongolia in implementing its plan to plant one billion trees. The cooperation between China and other countries in combating desertification has made more countries greener. Desertification is a global challenge faced by all and making joint response is the sure path forward. China stands ready to continue to share its experience in combating drought and desertification with all parties, enhance exchanges on sustainable land governance and together make our world a beautiful place enjoying harmony between nature and humanity.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 17, 2024)?
?? 统筹推进山水林田湖草沙系统治理，深入开展大规模国土绿化行动，持续实施三北、长江等防护林和天然林保护，东北黑土地保护，高标准农田建设，湿地保护修复，退耕还林还草，草原生态修复，京津风沙源治理，荒漠化、石漠化综合治理等重点工程。?
Taken a coordinated approach to conserving the mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, grasslands and deserts, and carried out large-scale land afforestation. Efforts have continued on key projects, including protecting shelterbelts and natural forests, especially those in northwest, northeast and northern China and along the Yangtze River, conserving chernozem soils in northeast China, building high-quality farmland, protecting and restoring wetlands, returning cropland back to forests and grasslands, restoring grasslands, controlling the sources of dust storms affecting Beijing and Tianjin, and comprehensively addressing desertification and stony desertification.? (White_Paper_Responding to Climate Change_China's Policies and Actions_《中国应对气候变化的政策与行动_2021_10_27)?
?? 中国森林面积和森林蓄积连续30年保持“双增长”，成为全球森林资源增长最多的国家，荒漠化、沙化土地面积连续3个监测期实现了“双缩减”，草原综合植被盖度达到56.1%，草原生态状况持续向好。?
Through the above actions, China has achieved the following: China’s forest coverage and forest reserve have both maintained growth for the last 30 years, and China has realized the largest growth in forest resources among all countries in the world. China’s desertification coverage and sandy desertification coverage have both decreased in three successive monitoring periods. Its steppe vegetation coverage rate has reached 56.1 percent and the steppe ecosystems have continued to improve.? White_Paper_Biodiversity Conservation in China_?? 中国的生物多样性保护_2021_10_08? 中国持续开展荒漠化治理工作，成功遏制荒漠化扩展趋势，实现了由“沙进人退”到“绿进沙退”的历史性转变，提前实现了联合国提出的到2030年实现土地退化零增长目标，为全球贡献了五分之一的土地恢复净面积。?
China has continued its efforts to control desertification, successfully curbed the expansive trend of desertification, realized a historic transformation from "sand forcing humans to retreat" to "trees forcing sand to retreat", and achieved the goal of zero net land degradation by 2030 set by the United Nations ahead of schedule. China has contributed one-fifth of the world's net restored land area.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 2, 2021)
Today’s quote:
今年是中国签署《联合国防治荒漠化公约》30周年。30年来，中国积极履行《公约》，扎实开展防沙治沙国际合作，开拓“一带一路”防治荒漠化合作机制。中国还与同样面临荒漠化问题的中亚、非洲国家分享治沙技术和经验，提供技能培训，为“全球南方”共谋绿色发展注入动力。?
This year marks the 30th anniversary of China signing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Over the past three decades, China has taken active effort to implement the convention, carried out international cooperation on combating sandification, and explored mechanisms under Belt and Road cooperation to prevent and control desertification. China has also shared relevant technology and experience and provided training to Central Asian and African countries, which also face the problem of desertification, injecting impetus to the joint pursuit of the Global South for green development.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中国持续推进《濒危野生动植物种国际贸易公约》《联合国气候变化框架公约》《联合国防治荒漠化公约》《关于特别是作为水禽栖息地的国际重要湿地公约》《联合国森林文书》等进程，与相关国际机构合作建立国际荒漠化防治知识管理中心，与新西兰共同牵头组织“基于自然的解决方案”领域工作，并将其作为应对气候变化、生物多样性丧失的协同解决方案。?
China takes an active part in implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, and the documents of the UN Forum on Forests. In cooperation with relevant international organizations, China has established the International Desertification Control Knowledge Management Center. China and New Zealand jointly led the efforts on Nature-based Solutions (NBS) projects, making NBS a synergistic solution in combating climate change and biodiversity loss.? (White_Paper_Biodiversity Conservation in China_中国的生物多样性保护_2021_10_08)
Today’s quote:
美方想要维护台海和平，关键是要认清赖清德和民进党当局的“台独”本性，慎之又慎处理台湾问题，明确反对“台独”，支持中国和平统一。?
If the US side cares about maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, it is crucial that it sees clearly the true nature of Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities in seeking “Taiwan independence,” handles the Taiwan question with extra prudence, unequivocally opposes “Taiwan independence,” and supports China’s peaceful reunification.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 美方想要维护台海和平，关键是要认清赖清德和民进党当局的“台独”本性，慎之又慎处理台湾问题，明确反对“台独”，支持中国和平统一。?
If the US side cares about maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, it is crucial that it sees clearly the true nature of Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities in seeking “Taiwan independence,” handles the Taiwan question with extra prudence, unequivocally opposes “Taiwan independence,” and supports China’s peaceful reunification.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 22, 2024)?
领英推荐
?? 美方想要维护台海和平，关键是要认清赖清德和民进党当局的“台独”本性，慎之又慎处理台湾问题，明确反对“台独”，支持中国和平统一。?
If the U.S side cares about maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, it is crucial that it sees clearly the true nature of Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities in seeking “Taiwan independence,” handles the Taiwan question with extra prudence, unequivocally opposes “Taiwan independence,” and supports China’s peaceful reunification.? (Xi_Jinping_President Xi Jinping Meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Lima_2024_11_17)?
?? ... 同时，各国应明确反对核不扩散领域的双重标准，反对将地缘政治私利凌驾于国际核不扩散体系之上。?
In the meantime, countries need to categorically oppose double standard in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and the act of putting geopolitical selfish interests above international nuclear non-proliferation regime.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 23, 2024)?
?? 中方注意到，欧盟一些成员国政府和主要汽车企业已经多次明确反对欧盟对中国电动汽车实施反补贴措施。?
China has noted that the governments of some EU member states and major European automakers have repeatedly expressed clear opposition to the EU's anti-subsidy measures against electric vehicles from China.? (MOFCOM Regular Press Conference_July 4, 2024)
中国政府高度重视，持续推进荒漠化综合防治和“三北”等重点生态工程建设，推动53%的可治理沙化土地得到有效治理，实现了生态保护与民生改善的良性循环，也为全球防沙治沙进程作出了贡献。?
The Chinese government attaches great importance to this issue, and has steadily advanced the comprehensive prevention and control of desertification and major ecological conservation projects, such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. We have put 53 percent of treatable sandy land under effective treatment, realized a virtuous cycle of ecological conservation and improvement of people’s life, and contributed to the global effort to combat sandification.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)
Today’s quote:
中国是世界上遭受荒漠化危害最严重的国家之一。中国政府高度重视，持续推进荒漠化综合防治和“三北”等重点生态工程建设，推动53%的可治理沙化土地得到有效治理，实现了生态保护与民生改善的良性循环，也为全球防沙治沙进程作出了贡献。今年是中国签署《联合国防治荒漠化公约》30周年。30年来，中国积极履行《公约》，扎实开展防沙治沙国际合作，开拓“一带一路”防治荒漠化合作机制。中国还与同样面临荒漠化问题的中亚、非洲国家分享治沙技术和经验，提供技能培训，为“全球南方”共谋绿色发展注入动力。下周，《联合国防治荒漠化公约》第十六次缔约方大会将在沙特举行，中方将派代表团与会，为全球荒漠化防治提供“中国方案”，与各方携手为地球增添更多绿色。?
China is among the countries that suffer most from desertification. The Chinese government attaches great importance to this issue, and has steadily advanced the comprehensive prevention and control of desertification and major ecological conservation projects, such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. We have put 53 percent of treatable sandy land under effective treatment, realized a virtuous cycle of ecological conservation and improvement of people’s life, and contributed to the global effort to combat sandification. This year marks the 30th anniversary of China signing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Over the past three decades, China has taken active effort to implement the convention, carried out international cooperation on combating sandification, and explored mechanisms under Belt and Road cooperation to prevent and control desertification. China has also shared relevant technology and experience and provided training to Central Asian and African countries, which also face the problem of desertification, injecting impetus to the joint pursuit of the Global South for green development. Next week, COP16 of the UNCCD will be held in Saudi Arabia, and China will send a delegation to the meeting to contribute China’s solutions to global effort to combat desertification and join hands with all parties to make Planet Earth greener.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 今天是第30个世界防治荒漠化与干旱日，也是《联合国防治荒漠化公约》通过30周年纪念日。在习近平生态文明思想指引下，中国坚持“绿水青山就是金山银山”的理念，扎实推进荒漠化综合防治和“三北”等重点生态工程建设工作，打好“三北”工程攻坚战，筑牢北方生态安全屏障。“三北”工程建设45年来，累计完成造林保存面积4.8亿亩，治理退化草原12.8亿亩，治理沙化土地5亿亩，重点治理区域实现了从“沙进人退”到“绿进沙退”的历史性转变。我们在塞罕坝创造出世界最大面积的人工林海，在毛乌素实现世界最大面积的生态逆转，在库布其走出了产业治沙的全新路径。中国的努力加快了全球迈向更加清洁美丽世界的步伐。中国在世界范围内率先实现了土地退化零增长，荒漠化土地和沙化土地面积“双减少”，为全球实现2030年土地退化零增长目标作出重要贡献。中国森林覆盖率和森林的蓄积量连续40年保持“双增长”，是全球森林资源增长最多和人工造林面积最大的国家，贡献了全球新增绿化面积的四分之一。中国认真履行《联合国防治荒漠化公约》义务，成功举办了《公约》第十三次缔约方大会等活动，全力推动全球荒漠化防治进程，持续推进荒漠化防治国际合作，毫无保留地向世界分享中国防沙治沙经验。我们与《公约》秘书处共建了“防治荒漠化国际培训中心”、“国际荒漠化防治知识管理中心”。我们通过中非合作论坛、中阿合作论坛等机制积极对接“非洲绿色长城”、“绿色中东”倡议，中阿干旱、荒漠化和土地退化国际研究中心去年成立并启动首批合作项目。去年在蒙古国揭牌的中蒙荒漠化防治合作中心正助力蒙古实施“种植十亿棵树”计划。中外荒漠化治理合作让绿色绵延在越来越多国家的地平线上。荒漠化是全球共同面临的挑战，携手应对是必由之路。中方愿继续同各方分享干旱和荒漠化防治经验，加强土地可持续治理交流，共建人与自然和谐共生的美丽家园。?
Today [June 17] marks the world’s 30th Desertification and Drought Day and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has followed the philosophy that green is gold and made solid efforts in comprehensive desertification prevention and control and developed major ecological projects, such as the Sanbei Protective Forest project, to form a green ecological barrier in northern China. Since 1978, the Sanbei Protective Forest project has added 32 million hectares to afforestation area, and treated 85.3 million hectares of degraded grassland and 33.3 million hectares of desertified land. In key restoration areas, we’ve realized a historic transformation from “sand forcing humans to retreat” to “trees forcing sand to retreat.” We created the world’s largest man-made forest in Saihanba, realized the world’s largest scale ecological restoration project in Maowusu and found a new approach of combating desertification through industry development in Kubuqi. China’s effort turbocharged the process of creating a cleaner and more beautiful world. We are the first country in the world to achieve zero net land degradation and reduce both desertification and sandification, making important contribution to meeting the global goal of zero net land degradation by 2030. China’s forest coverage ratio and forest stock volume have both increased for 40 consecutive years. It is No.1 in the world in terms of forest resource growth and afforestation area and has contributed one fourth of the world’s newly added green area. China earnestly fulfills its obligation under the UNCCD, successfully held events including the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) of the UNCCD, and is making all-out efforts in advancing global desertification prevention and control by promoting international cooperation and sharing experience with the rest of the world with nothing held back. China and the UNCCD Secretariat jointly built the International Training Center on Combating Desertification and the International Knowledge Management Center on Combating Desertification. We are actively forging synergy with the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa and the Middle East Green Initiative through mechanisms including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. The China-Arab International Research Center for Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation was set up last year and the first batch of cooperation projects have been launched. The China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center unveiled in Mongolia last year is now supporting Mongolia in implementing its plan to plant one billion trees. The cooperation between China and other countries in combating desertification has made more countries greener. Desertification is a global challenge faced by all and making joint response is the sure path forward. China stands ready to continue to share its experience in combating drought and desertification with all parties, enhance exchanges on sustainable land governance and together make our world a beautiful place enjoying harmony between nature and humanity.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 17, 2024)?
?? 森林覆盖率、湿地保护率分别达到２４％、５０％以上,水土流失、荒漠化、沙化土地面积分别净减少１０.６万、３.８万、３.３万平方公里.?
Forest coverage has risen to over 24 percent, and over 50 percent of all wetlands are now under protection. The area of land affected by soil erosion, desertification, and sandification was reduced by 106,000 square kilometers, 38,000 square kilometers, and 33,000 square kilometers, respectively.? (政府工作报告_2023)?
?? 支持大规模国土绿化行动，完善天然林保护制度，扩大退耕还林还草，加强森林资源培育管护，强化湿地保护和恢复，开展沙化土地封禁保护，继续实施草原生态保护补助奖励政策。?
We will support large-scale afforestation, improve the system for protecting natural forests, expand the scope of work to turn marginal land back into forest or grassland, strengthen cultivation, management, and protection of forest resources, boost protection and restoration of wetlands, and support closing off desertified land for its protection. We will continue to implement reward and subsidy policies for grassland ecological conservation.? (Report on the Execution of the Central and Local Budgets for 2018 and on the Draft Central and Local Budgets for 2019)
Today’s quote:
中国和尼泊尔是山水相连的传统友好邻邦。建交69年来，无论国际地区形势如何变化，两国关系保持健康稳定发展，树立了大小国家平等相待、合作共赢的典范。?
China and Nepal are neighbors with enduring friendship connected by mountains and rivers. Over the past 69 years since China and Nepal established diplomatic relations, despite the changing international and regional landscape, bilateral ties have maintained sound and steady growth, setting a fine example of equality and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中国和尼泊尔是山水相连的传统友好邻邦。近年来，两国高层交往密切，各领域务实合作持续深化，双方在国际和地区事务中保持密切协调配合。?
China and Nepal are traditional friends and neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. In recent years, our two countries maintained close high-level exchanges with deepening practical cooperation in various fields. Our two sides maintained close coordination and collaboration in regional and international affairs.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 22, 2024)
Today’s quote:
2019年，习近平主席对尼泊尔进行历史性国事访问，两国关系提升为面向发展与繁荣的世代友好的战略合作伙伴关系。?
In 2019, President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to Nepal and the bilateral relationship has been elevated to the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)??
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中国同斯里兰卡是传统友好近邻。我们愿同迪萨纳亚克总统和斯里兰卡新政府一道努力，弘扬和平共处五项原则精神，赓续中斯传统友谊，加强两国发展战略对接，深化高质量共建“一带一路”合作，推动中斯真诚互助、世代友好的战略合作伙伴关系不断取得新进展。?
China and Sri Lanka are traditional friends and close neighbors. We stand ready to work with President Dissanayake and his new administration to uphold the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, forge greater synergy between our development strategies, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strive for new progress in our strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 23, 2024)?
?? 中方高度重视中斯关系发展，愿同斯方一道努力，落实好两国领导人重要共识，高质量共建“一带一路”，拓展各领域交流合作，推动中斯真诚互助、世代友好的战略合作伙伴关系不断取得新进展。?
China attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka. We stand ready to work with Sri Lanka to implement the important common understandings reached by leaders of the two countries, expand exchange and cooperation in various fields, including high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strive for new progress in the strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 22, 2024)?
?? 作为友好邻邦和合作伙伴，中方高度重视中尼关系，愿同尼新政府一道努力，坚持和平共处五项原则，增进传统友谊，深化务实合作，推动中尼面向发展与繁荣的世代友好的战略合作伙伴关系进一步发展，为两国人民创造更多福祉。?
As a friendly neighbor and cooperation partner, China highly values its relations with Nepal. We would like to work with the new government to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen our traditional friendship, strengthen practical cooperation, advance the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, and deliver more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 5, 2024)?
?? 尼泊尔外长卡德加此次访华，是对王毅国务委员兼外长3月访问尼泊尔的回访。 ... 中方期待通过此访，同尼方进一步加强战略沟通，坚定相互支持，推动中尼面向发展与繁荣的世代友好的战略合作伙伴关系不断向前迈进。?
The visit of the Nepali Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka will be a reciprocal visit to State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Nepal last March [2022]. ... China looks forward to strengthening strategic communication, cementing mutual support, and constantly promoting our strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 5, 2022)?
Today’s quote:
我们注意到中国在世界范围内率先实现土地退化“零增长”、荒漠化土地和沙化土地面积“双减少”，截至2023年底森林覆盖率已超过25%，成为全球增绿最多的国家。?
We [Shenzhen TV] noted that China is the first country in the world to achieve zero net land degradation and reduce both desertification and sandification. By the end of 2023, China’s forest coverage ratio had exceeded 25 percent with the increase topping the world.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中国荒漠化防治取得显著成效，在世界范围内率先实现了土地退化零增长，荒漠化土地和沙化土地面积“双减少”，为全球实现2030年土地退化零增长目标作出重要贡献。中国森林覆盖率和森林蓄积量连续30多年保持“双增长”，是全球森林资源增长最多和人工造林面积最大的国家，贡献了全球新增绿化面积的四分之一。?
China has achieved notable success in desertification prevention and control. We are the first country in the world to achieve zero net land degradation and reduce both desertification and sandification, making important contribution to meeting the global goal of zero net land degradation by 2030. China’s forest coverage ratio and forest stock volume have both increased for over 30 consecutive years. It is No.1 in the world in terms of forest resource growth and afforestation area and has contributed one fourth of the world’s newly added green area.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 25, 2023)?
?? 中国贡献了本世纪以来全球25%的新增绿化面积，率先在全球实现土地退化“零增长”，荒漠化和沙化土地面积“双减少”，森林覆盖率和森林蓄积量“双增长”。?
China accounts for a quarter of the world’s newly added green areas since 2000. We are the first country to have achieved zero net land degradation, reduced both the areas of desertified and sandified land, and expanded our forest coverage ratio and forest stock volume.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 20, 2023)?
?? 中国在世界范围内率先实现了土地退化“零增长”，荒漠化土地和沙化土地面积“双减少”，对全球实现2030年土地退化零增长目标发挥了积极作用。?
China is also the first country to realize zero net land degradation — its desertified and sandified areas are both shrinking, and this is helping the world to reach the global goal of zero net land degradation in 2030.? (White_Paper_China's Green Development in the New Era_2023_01_19)
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