“Fishery-solar” project in China’s Jiangsu Province, November 29, 2024. /Song Ruixin

As climate change accelerates, the green transition has become a global imperative. During my recent visits to China’s clean energy frontlines—from expansive offshore wind farms to hybrid hydrogen-solar facilities—I saw more than technical progress. I witnessed a country translating environmental vision into nationwide action.

At the heart of this transformation is a shift in development thinking—one that has evolved under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. His concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has redefined how China approaches modernisation. This philosophy, rooted in ecological awareness, marks the beginning of a deeper, strategic commitment to sustainability.

What was once seen as a tradeoff between economy and environment is now understood as a synergy. Across China, this principle is visible in practice: deep-sea wind turbines generate clean power from ocean winds; solar panels in arid regions coexist with agriculture; hydrogen energy powers buses and heavy transport. These are not isolated innovations—they are part of a coordinated transformation.

This shift is grounded in the idea that green development is not an added feature but a core foundation. As President Xi emphasised, “green development is the foundation of high-quality growth.” That foundation now underpins policymaking, infrastructure planning, and industrial strategy.

The results are tangible. China leads the world in offshore wind capacity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), China contributed nearly 46% of global wind power additions in 2024, largely driven by offshore wind. And the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reports that by the end of 2024, China held the largest share of the world’s 83 GW total offshore wind capacity.

This leadership in wind energy is just one part of a broader push toward clean energy innovation. Solar projects are expanding not just in scale, but in form—from floating panels to “fishery-solar” projects. The hydrogen sector, once experimental, is becoming commercially viable. These successes reflect not only technological capability but a political will to integrate sustainability into every layer of development.

This marks a significant evolution in China’s environmental governance. Xi Jinping’s theory of “ecological civilisation” has moved from moral aspiration to institutional architecture. Environmental metrics now influence fiscal policy, investment incentives, and local government evaluations. The transition from abstract principle to measurable policy is what gives China’s approach its durability.

As Xi further stated: “Advancing green and low-carbon development is key to achieving high-quality growth.” This understanding has shaped a holistic approach: top-level policies provide long-term certainty; industrial ecosystems link innovation with application; market mechanisms like carbon trading support low-carbon behaviour. At the same time, universities and training programs are building the talent needed to support green industries for the next generation.

China’s vision also extends beyond its borders. Through platforms like the Belt and Road Initiative, the country is sharing clean technologies, funding green infrastructure, and promoting climate cooperation. This reflects another evolution in thinking—from domestic restoration to global responsibility. China now positions itself as a leader in shaping a more sustainable international system.

What’s emerging is not just a clean energy transition, but a broader model of development—one that balances growth with ecological protection. Clean power is no longer a niche sector; it is becoming the backbone of an economy designed to thrive in a carbon-constrained world.

China’s path has not been without challenges—from engineering complexity in offshore environments to balancing grid stability with renewable inputs. But each obstacle has become an opportunity for innovation, backed by political determination and systemic alignment.

The progress I witnessed—solar grids lighting remote areas, wind turbines rising above open seas, hydrogen buses gliding through clean air—illustrates how policy, technology, and ideology can move in sync. Most importantly, it shows how a nation’s environmental thinking can evolve with the times: from a guiding vision, to a national strategy, to an international responsibility.

The green transition may be long, but it is well under way—powered by evolving ideas, grounded in action, and guided by a belief that prosperity and sustainability are not only compatible but inseparable. Green development is no longer a secondary consideration; it has become a vital pillar of sustainable economic progress. As China’s experience shows, aligning ecological goals with economic strategies is not just desirable—it is essential for long-term resilience and global relevance in the 21st century.

* Song Ruixin is a CGTN Radio reporter, where she covers global news with a focus on international affairs and cross-cultural perspectives.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.

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