Story by Jonathan Marerwa
Land reclamation is possible and can succeed if citizens are encouraged and have the will power to make it work.
The Deputy Chairman of the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association, Wang Donghua, said this while addressing 14 journalists from English speaking countries in Africa and the Asia Pacific region in Zhongwei, the capital city of Ningxia Province in North West China.
He revealed that the Yellow River Irrigation Basin, which is now one of the mainstay of Chinese agriculture has greatly developed in recent years.
Mr Wang disclosed that the desertification of grasslands around the water source, also known as the Mother River, required great effort from the Chinese government and citizens living close to the river to curb the scourge.
He noted that before the intervention of the Chinese government, the desertification of the basin and some areas near the river was compromising diversification in agriculture methods and water conservation and was also negatively impacting on the livelihoods of those living along the river basin.
Mr Wang added that the Chinese government under the leadership of President Xi Jingping has prioritised environmental protection and restoration of grasslands, forests and mountains in the upper reaches of the Yellow River.
He said last year, the Yellow River Protection Act came into effect and the river banks have now turned green.
Meanwhile, Mr Wang says the Chinese government wants a better life for its citizens and is not concerned about being a dominant force in the world.
He reiterated that China treats other countries in the world as equals regardless of their size and power adding that it seeks to foster relationships with developing countries of the world as buttressed by the outcomes of the just held 2024 Forum on China Africa Co-operation Summit held in Beijing which will help in the modernisation of the two blocs.
Mr Wang also encouraged the journalists to present the real China to the citizens of their respective countries since they now have a better appreciation of the country saying this will help expand and consolidate the foundation of public support for the friendship between China and Africa.
