China vows to continue clean energy development

BEIJING - China's cabinet, the State Council,approved major hydropower and nuclear power projects on Wednesday, vowing to continue developing clean energy to secure steady economic growth.

The approved projects are the Wudongde hydropower station on the Jinsha River, a demonstration project of third-generation nuclear power in Fangchenggang of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and expansion of the Tianwan nuclear power station in Lianyungang of east China's Jiangsu province.

Accelerating construction of hydropower and nuclear power projects are important measures to stabilize economic growth, optimize energy structure and improve people's livelihood, said a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

The development of clean energy is also of vital importance to promoting energy conservation and emissions reduction, combating pollution, increasing the supply of public goods and stimulating investment, said the statement.

The safety and management of the nuclear projects should be strengthened, and the environmental protection and resettlement of affected residents of hydropower projects should be guaranteed, it said.