China's environmental protection is facing grave problems, said State Councilor Hua Jianmin on Thursday, vowing to build an environmentally-friendly country.

Hua made the remarks at the opening of a ministerial-level meeting on implementing the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Sources (GPA), initiated by the United Nations Environment Program(UNEP). 

Environmental protection is one of China's state policies and the protection of marine environment is a key component. China has been improving strategies to curb pollution both on land and in water, said Hua.

"Progress has been made in slowing down the deterioration of the marine environment in coastal areas and parts of China's sea areas," he said, "but the government is clear that the situation is still serious."

Last week, the State Oceanic Administration reported that 14 million hectares of China's coastal areas were polluted.

China will fully implement the GPA and be actively engaged in curbing land and marine pollution, he said.

Hua also called for global efforts to protect the marine environment, noting that China will fulfill its promise and commitments and coordinate with other countries.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2006)