Shen Guofang, Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement in his speech at the second preparatory session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, which acts as the Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

"The Chinese Government has solemnly committed itself to sustainable development and has made enormous efforts to this end," Shen said. "China has been strictly implementing Agenda 21 and incorporated the strategy of sustainable development into its national socioeconomic development strategies."

China has established two basic strategies, the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, and the strategy of sustainable development, it has been admired by the whole world for the tremendous successes it has scored in this regard, he said.

"It has achieved a sustained, rapid and steady development of its national economy," he said. "The quality and standards of living have been greatly improved."

"The member of people living in poverty has been reduced visibly," he said. "The size of the whole population has been put under control."

"China has also intensified efforts to deal with pollution," he said, "In each of the past five years, the investment that the Chinese Government has made in this regard has taken up nearly 1 percent of its GDP (gross domestic product)."

In order to prevent pollution from worsening, the Chinese Government has demonstrated a strong resolve by closing up 84,000 businesses that are big polluters, which marks the success of the first stage in its campaign against pollution, he said.

"The concept of sustainable development has been incorporated into the socioeconomic development plans made by governments of all levels," he said. "Legislation in this field is also moving forward faster. To date, 61 laws on environmental protection, 9 laws on the management of natural resources, more than 30 administrative codes in these two fields as well as many laws and regulations and standards related to sustainable development has been formulated."

"The nationwide campaign to rebuild to healthy ecological environment is now fully under way, with notable achievements," he said.

(China Daily February 2, 2002)