Premier Li Keqiang, currently on a visit to France, has echoed the environmental pledges, in a speech at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, in Paris. He urged a proper balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Premier Li urges balance between development and environmental issues?

"Sustainable development includes at least two aspects: the first is stable growth and continuous poverty reduction. The world economic recovery can then take on a strong momentum. The second aspect is that we need to promote energy saving, environmental protection, low carbon and green development. These two aspects are not entirely the same, and there might be contradictions," Li said.

"However, mankind has the wisdom to handle them well, to connect them, and to integrate them in an organic way, so that the world can realise inclusive and sustainable development and growth."