In response, the central authorities paid great attention to the worsening environmental situation at Ulansuhai Nur.

In March 2019, when President Xi Jinping attended a discussion panel with his fellow deputies from Inner Mongolia at the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, the top national legislature, he urged greater efforts for environmental improvements in Ulansuhai Nur, as well as the Hulun and Daihai lakes, which are also located in the region.

Xi urged Inner Mongolia to prioritize environmental protection and green development as the region explored new ways of achieving high-quality development.

While deliberating with fellow deputies from the region at the fourth session of the 13th NPC in March 2021, Xi said he had issued directives about the lake many times. There had been a marked improvement in the area, but persistent efforts were still needed, he said.

Xi visited Ulansuhai Nur in June. During his visit, he called for concerted efforts to treat and protect the lake by pursuing a clear path to provide future generations with a beautiful homeland of lush mountains, lucid waters and clean air.