BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli on Thursday demanded more benefits from the south-to-north water diversion project.

The project, one of the country's largest infrastructure schemes, was designed to take water from the south to dry areas in the north, including Beijing.

A good mechanism must be established to optimize transfer of water resources to serve the country's key strategies, including the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The project must ensure water for Xiongan New Area, according to Zhang, who is also head of the the State Council South-to-North Water Diversion Project Construction Commission.

Vice premier Wang Yang, who is vice head of the commission, also attended the meeting, emphasizing water quality and environmental protection during the process.

Both highlighted the importance of helping those displaced by the project.