China strengthens measures to defend biodiversity

China will strengthen surveys, observations and assessments related to biodiversity to identify prominent conservation problems and ensure national ecological security, the country's top environmental official said.

Li Ganjie, minister of ecology and environment, said on Wednesday that biodiversity is the basis of human survival and development. China is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, but also one of the countries most threatened by biodiversity deterioration, Li said at an event marking International Day for Biological Diversity in Nanchang, Jiangxi province.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to biodiversity conservation and regards it as an important part of promoting high-quality development," he said.