China will stay committed to offering proposals for global desertification control and deepening cooperation in ecological protection with all parties, said a foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday.

A drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2025 shows workers laying sand barriers at Kubuqi desert in Hangjin Banner, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (File photo: Xinhua)

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) officially kicked off in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, on Monday. COP17 aims at accelerating action to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought.

When asked about China's role in advancing global desertification control at a regular press briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian stated that combating desertification is a noble cause vital to the sustainable development of humanity, adding that China, as a party to the UNCCD, earnestly fulfills its obligations and actively promotes international cooperation in this field.

Adhering to the philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," China became the world's first country to achieve zero net growth in land degradation and a simultaneous reduction in both desertified and sandy land areas, making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving zero land degradation by 2030, Lin said. The UNCCD Secretariat has twice honored China for its "outstanding contribution to combating desertification."

Lin noted that China actively participates in and fully supports the UN's efforts to combat desertification.

"By sharing its experience in sand control and prevention, promoting technology, and training personnel, China injects strong momentum into the Global South's pursuit of green development," said Lin.

During this convention, China is hosting an exhibition on combating desertification, alongside various side events to exchange ideas, technology, and practices with all parties, said Lin.

"Looking ahead, China will stay committed to offering 'Chinese solutions' for global desertification control and deepen cooperation on ecological and environmental protection with all parties to further advance the UNCCD process and create more development miracles by turning deserts into oases," said Lin.