On October 12, the Chinese Embassy in the United States hosted a movie reception of Snow Leopards and Friends. More than 200 people from U.S. government departments, scientific research institutions, mainstream media, environmental organizations and friends from other sectors participated in the event. Minister Jing Quan attended the reception and delivered remarks.

In his speech, Jing said that China is one of the world’s most bio-diverse countries. About 60% of the world’s snow leopards live in China. Most of them live on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Thanks to the Chinese government’s efforts in recent years, the number of snow leopards in the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve in southern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has noticeably increased. By this August, there are over 1,200 in the reserve area. The burgeoning population of snow leopards best illustrates China’s conservation efforts.

Jing pointed out that climate change, environmental degradation and the shrinking biodiversity are global challenges that require global solutions. In these fields, China and the United States have extensive common interests as well as great potential of cooperation. China and the U.S. can further enhance dialogue and cooperation on climate, endangered species and national parks. By protecting global ecological environment and biodiversity, we can make this planet a better home for all.

The documentary was shot by Xi Zhinong, a renowned Chinese wildlife photographer, and his team of three herdsmen-turned photographers. It showcased the snow leopards’ living conditions and ecological environment in Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve in China’s Qinghai Province.

After the film, Xi shared his personal experience in promoting nature photography and environmental protection in the past 40 years, and had warm interactions and exchanges of ideas with the audience.