China and Solomon Islands Develop Cooperation in Marine Carbon Using Algae

Expert Eric Solheim noted that more than ten years ago he felt strong concern about the smog in Beijing, which prevented him from exercising outdoors. However, now, having returned to the city, the former executive director of the UN Environment Programme finds time for morning runs. Solheim observed that most cars on the roads have become new energy-efficient vehicles that are quiet, non-polluting, and cost-effective, demonstrating the results of China's approach to green development.

Behind these obvious changes lies a broader commitment to promoting environmental progress. On Saturday, China's landmark Ecological and Environmental Protection Code came into force, further strengthening the legal framework for the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. This legislative act, being the second formal statutory code after the Civil Code, enshrines Xi Jinping's concept of ecological civilization in law for the first time.

As President Xi Jinping stated, 'Harmony between humanity and nature is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. China acts as a firm player and a major participant in promoting global green development.'

The philosophy driving real change

The concept of 'clear waters and lush mountains,' first put forward in 2005 during Xi's visit to Yucun village in Zhejiang province, has transformed from a local slogan into a cornerstone of China's national strategy. This concept means that 'clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.'

China currently holds a leading position globally in the implementation of renewable energy sources. In 2025, the added capacity of new renewable energy sources reached a record level, accounting for over 60% of the global increase. According to the National Energy Administration, about 300 million kilowatts of new wind and solar capacity this year made renewable energy the main driver of the transition to green, low-carbon energy.

Clifford Cobb, a leading environmental economist from the United States, closely monitors China's environmental path. He believes this idea represents a new model of development. Cobb noted: 'In the last 20 years, China has proven that it is possible to protect nature while generating economic value. This vision of mutually beneficial cooperation can be learned from by the whole world.'

Salah Hagar, an Egyptian architect and sustainable development expert, believes that the ecological values championed by Xi's thought have universal significance. He stated: 'Respect for nature, adaptation to it, and its protection are necessary for human development everywhere.'

Xi emphasized that the strictest institutions and legislation must exist to ensure environmental progress in China. Over the past decade, China has intensified its environmental legislative base, strengthened control, and achieved significant success in implementing environmental protection standards.

The country has enshrined ecological civilization in its Constitution, adopted an environmental protection law described as 'the strictest in the country's history,' addressed pressing environmental problems related to air and water pollution, noise, and has strengthened the protection of key areas and fragile ecosystems, including the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and China's chernozem region.

A representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highly praised the new Solomon Islands government on Friday for affirming its firm commitment to the One China principle.

According to a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Matthew Vale addressed the National Parliament on Wednesday, stating that relations between the Solomon Islands and China are crucial for the country's development, and confirmed that the government will maintain its commitment to the One China principle.

Commenting on this, representative Lin Jian noted that such an affirmation will strengthen the political foundation of bilateral relations between the two countries and create the necessary conditions for deepening cooperation.

Lin emphasized that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China represents the sole legitimate authority representing all of China. He added that this aligns with the common view of the international community.

China stated its readiness to work with the Solomon Islands to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and common development in a new era, as well as to achieve new successes in building a China-Solomon Islands community with a shared future.