BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called for better protection of the environment in order to boost the transformation of the country's economic growth and to promote sustainable economic and social development.

Li made the remarks when meeting with environmental advocates in Beijing prior to the World Environment Day on June 5.

Environmental protection not only concerned the country's economic development, but was also crucial to improve people's living standards, the vice premier said.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd L, Front) visits a photo exhibition on environmental protection in Beijing, China, June 4, 2010. Li Keqiang has called for better protection of the environment in order to boost the transformation of the country's economic growth and to promote sustainable economic and social development.

Li added that China has made substantial progress in environmental protection in recent years, but admitted serious conflicts between environmental protection and economic and social development still exist.

Li said environmental protection should become an important tool to accelerate transformation of China's economic growth and called upon the public to contribute to an energy-saving and environment-friendly society.