Sacrificing environment for economic development 'resolutely opposed'

The head of China's top environmental watchdog has reiterated that the country will not sacrifice the environment for economic growth.

Li Ganjie, minister of ecology and environment, made the comment at a news conference on the sidelines of the ongoing two sessions on Monday.

The relationship between environmental protection and economic development has been a hot topic in China.

Some people said one-size-fits-all approaches to environmental law enforcement had affected economic development, Li said, and some local governments had relaxed their environmental protection efforts amid an economic downturn.

But those were isolated cases and did not show the general situation in China, the minister said, adding that such attitudes and approaches would be resolutely opposed.

"Once we find such cases, we will resolutely stop them and hold officials fully accountable," he said.

Li said sacrificing the environment for economic development was contrary to the central authorities' wishes.

The minister said those carrying out central environmental inspections will be asked to check if local governments are sacrificing the environment for economic development.