The high-level segment of the 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Sept 11.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang attended the conference and delivered the congratulatory letter sent by President Xi Jinping. In the letter, Xi affirmed the Chinese government's strong determination to fulfil the UNCCD and contribute to the reduction of global desertification.

The vice-premier said desertification is a serious problem that all human beings are facing and that no country could win the battle against desertification by itself. Wang also said the battle required more enhanced international cooperation and communications for a successful outcome. Wang said China has been a pioneer in desertification combat, as one of the developing countries that has suffered from the serious problem.