Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for efforts to maintain strategic resolve in enhancing the building of an ecological civilization, warning against the tendency of sacrificing the environment for economic growth.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when attending a panel discussion with his fellow deputies from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region at the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

He urged the region not to sacrifice the environment for growth when encountering "just a little difficulty in economic development."

As the Chinese economy evolves from high-speed growth to high-quality development, the country must spare no effort to prevent and fight against pollution and improve the environment, Xi stressed.

He called on Inner Mongolia to prioritize ecological protection and green development as it explores new ways of high-quality development. The beautiful scenery in China's northern bordering areas must be protected, he added.

Protecting grasslands and forests are top priorities for the protection of the region's ecosystems, Xi said. He also urged efforts for ecological improvement in Hulun Lake, Ulansuhai Nur (Wuliangsuhai) Wetland and Daihai Lake.