Chinese President Xi Jinping rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a shovel in Beijing on Thursday, joining volunteers in planting trees to promote a “Beautiful China.” The annual tree-planting event saw President Xi, along with other senior officials, dig in to support environmental conservation efforts.
Arriving at a site along the riverbank in Fengtai District, President Xi greeted locals and wasted no time getting to work. He planted various saplings, emphasizing the importance of afforestation in creating a greener, healthier environment for everyone.
Engaging with young students at the site, President Xi encouraged them to cultivate a love for nature and hard work. “A good life comes from hard work,” he told them, urging participation in afforestation and public welfare activities.
President Xi highlighted China’s significant progress in expanding forest coverage, which has surpassed 25 percent and contributes about a quarter of the world’s new forested areas. “The ecological environment keeps improving—a fact that everyone can see and feel,” he said.
However, he noted that challenges remain, with total forest and grassland resources still insufficient. He called for continued efforts to enhance forest management, improve the quality of grasslands, and develop industries related to forestry and grasslands. “Afforestation should deliver more benefits to the people,” President Xi emphasized.
The tree-planting activity underscored China’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. By involving the community and especially the youth, the nation aims to inspire collective action toward a greener future.
