After more than 30 years of growth since 1978, China has become the second largest economy in the world. However, environmental pollution remains a chronic problem.

To solve the problem, the government has been resolute.

At the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in November, it was made clear that the country would give high priority to making ecological progress and incorporating it into the process of advancing economic, political, cultural and social advancement.

At a at a study session of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged that the country will not sacrifice the environment for temporary economic growth, calling for all-round efforts to conserve resources and curb pollution.

"We should be fully aware of the urgency and difficulty of protecting the environment and reducing pollution as well as the significance and necessity of improving the environment," Xi said.

Yang Guohua, an official with the department of environmental protection of Jiangxi Province, said some local governments consider more about GDP (gross domestic product) in attracting investment than the impact on the environment.

To solve these environmental problems, the country must ensure that local governments act in line with the central government's policies, Yang said.