The formation of the new Ministry of Ecological Environment, which has sweeping powers to curb pollution, is a major step to protect the environment and will help prevent systemic destruction of China's ecology, said environment minister Li Ganjie yesterday.

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Mr Li was speaking at a press conference on fighting pollution held on the sidelines of this year's National People's Congress (NPC) meetings. Fighting pollution is one of three "critical battles" outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the others being reducing poverty and tackling financial risks.

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Mr Li said the reforms to the environment ministry fully reflect Mr Xi's thoughts on building an "ecological civilisation", adding that one aspect will see China take a more active part in global governance to build a clean and beautiful world.

Responding to a question on whether China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) threatened participating countries' environment, Mr Li said this would not happen as BRI will be sustainable only if it is "green".

On a question about China's ban on foreign waste imports last July, he said processing such waste domestically was creating severe pollution and harm to the environment.

China sets up environment ministry with more powers - The Straits Times