BEIJING — China's fiscal expenditure on ecological and environmental protection saw fast growth in recent years as the government stepped up efforts to fight against pollution.

From 2016 to 2018, the fiscal spending in the sector amounted to 2.45 trillion yuan (about $349.67 billion), according to Finance Minister Liu Kun, who delivered a report on Dec 25 at the ongoing bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

The data marked an annualized growth of 14.8 percent, 6.4 percentage points higher than the average expansion of total fiscal expenditure for the period, Liu said.

The ratio of spending on environmental protection in overall fiscal expenditure rose from 3.7 percent in 2016 to 4.2 percent in 2018.

The Ministry of Finance and other relevant departments will continue to strengthen fund support, deepen reforms and increase efficiency to win the battle against pollution, according to Liu.