Environmental protection minister vows enhanced supervision

China's newly appointed Environmental Protection Minister has pledged to enhance supervision over local governments to strictly enforce the country's environmental rules.

Chen Jining, an environmental scientist and former president of Tsinghua University, was appointed to the position on Friday, replacing Zhou Shengxian.

At a press forum on Sunday, Chen promised that the ministry will spare no effort to implement the revised Environmental Protection Law, which came into effect this year, and vowed to intensify investigation and punishment of violators.

He stressed interaction among the government, media and public to promote communication of environment-related information as well as public participation and support for the work.

He said the government will ensure information transparency and protect the public's right to know, participate, supervise and lodge claims.

The minister said the government will formulate a five-year plan for environmental protection.