'Arduous tasks' lie ahead in poverty fight

In his talks with NPC deputies from Inner Mongolia, Xi told the government to maintain its strategic focus on protecting the environment and never seek economic development at the cost of destroying the environment.

Tom Harper, doctoral researcher at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, said China has tried to improve its international status through green development.

"China is unquestionably trying to enhance its credibility as a green nation," he said.