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BEIJING, June 5-- China's development faces uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a global recession, but the economic and social fallout will not derail the country's efforts to push green development. The Chinese government has pledged to further reduce energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product and the discharge of major pollutants this year, as declared in the government work report, showing an ability to strike a balance between development and environmental protection. Such a move is encouraging for a world grappling with climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. China will not allow the red line of ecological protection to be crossed or relax regulations because development is facing difficulties. Otherwise, the progress achieved over years of arduous efforts would be futile. In its battle with pollution, China has been making changes to the industrial edifice, effecting the transformation to development with a low carbon footprint, promoting a green lifestyle, and providing the public with more eco-friendly products. The country has also been an active participant in global climate governance, pledging 20 billion yuan (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) in the China South-South Climate Cooperation Fund dedicated to help other developing countries combat climate change. China is fully meeting its commitment to nationally-determined contributions on climate change under the Paris climate agreement and also helping advance green development in the Belt and Road Initiative. | 
