Xi's Yunnan visit highlights poverty elimination, ethnic solidarity(2)

Meanwhile, Xi went on to comment that economic development should not come at the cost of the environment, stressing that China should protect its environment in the same way as one "values his own eyes."

The president told provincial officials that environmental protection should be high on the country's agenda.

"We should [...] treat the environment in the same way as one treats his own life," the president said, adding that the country should look at the whole picture, at it is the long-term interests and the interests of all the people.

Xi offered four pieces of environmental advice.

"We cannot afford to be penny wise and pound foolish, nor catch one and lose another," he said. "We should also not live beyond our means or be more interested in the here and now, while ignoring our long-term interests."

NO ONE TO BE LEFT BEHIND

Xi also called for efforts to facilitate the economic and social development in ethnic regions to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020.

"No ethnic groups will be left behind in the drive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society by 2020," said Xi, when meeting with officials and residents of Drung-Nu Autonomous County of Gongshan Tuesday in Kunming, capital of Yunnan.

Drung ethnic minority has a population of about 6,900, making it one of the smallest ethnic minorities in China.

"Though the ethnic group has a small population, it is equal with other ethnic groups in the Chinese nation," Xi said.

During his tour, Xi urged the province, which is home to many of China's 56 ethnic groups, to be a model region of ethnic solidarity in the nation.

Calling ethnic solidarity a lifeline of people of all ethnic groups, Xi said the system of regional ethnic autonomy should be upheld and enhanced and the education on ethnic solidarity should be promoted.

Xi added it should be made a strategic task to build a spiritual home that is shared by all the ethnic groups.