Vice Premier urges joint efforts to combat desertification

BEIJING, June 17, 2016  -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the World Day to Combat Desertification Global Observance and the "Belt & Road" Joint Action High-level Dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

BEIJING, June 17 -- Vice Premier Wang Yang said on Friday that combating desertification is a shared responsibility that requires efforts from all countries.

As a nation confronted with severe challenges from desertification, China has taken effective measures to contain the spread of desertification, Wang said in his keynote speech when attending an activity featuring the fight against desertification.

The country will strengthen its efforts to preserve the environment and strive to build a beautiful China, he continued.

There is also a pressing need for countries along the Belt and Road to combat desertification, Wang said, while calling for deeper cooperation between related countries and international organizations.

He said China will continue to increase its input to help developing nations cope with desertification, thereby safeguarding the world's ecological security and promoting sustainable development.