It's a strategic decision to build Inner Mongolia into an important ecological shield for northern China, and local government must shoulder this responsibility, Xi said.

Protecting the environment does not contradict the goal of developing the economy, Xi said, warning that there should be no crossing the red line of ecology.

China must keep its strategic focus on environmental protection at a time when the country is switching from high-speed growth to high-quality growth, Xi said. Protecting grasslands and forests is the top protection mission in Inner Mongolia, he said, adding that restoration must follow the laws of nature.