Xi stresses key role of afforestation

Greater public participation urged in nation's greening efforts

President Xi Jinping stressed on Thursday the crucial role of afforestation in enhancing ecological conservation, and called for greater public participation in the country's greening efforts in order to build a Beautiful China and make the nation even greener.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing.

It is the 13th consecutive year that Xi has participated in the capital city's annual tree planting activity since becoming general secretary in late 2012.