President Xi vows strict observation of ecological 'red line'

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday vowed to set and strictly observe an ecological "red line" amid the country's rapid urbanization in order to protect the environment.

China should accelerate the implementation of a functional zoning strategy, said Xi, at a study session with members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The government should set and strictly observe an ecological "red line" which requires all regions to optimize, prioritize, restrict or prohibit their industrial development according to their defined nature, he said.

The concept of the ecological "red line" should be firmly established, Xi said, adding that more space should be provided for nature to restore itself.

"On issues of ecological and environmental protection, [people] should not cross the [red] line or they will get punished," he said.

The functional zoning strategy should be carried out to advance urbanization, agricultural development and ecological security in a scientific and balanced way, he added.