Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Tuesday stressed the ecological protection of the Qilian Mountains.

"The Qilian Mountains are a vital shield for ecological security in the western part of China," Xi said. "This is a positioning in the national strategy."

Xi made the remarks at a horse ranch during his inspection tour to northwest China's Gansu Province.

He also expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the preservation work of the Qilian Mountains.