BEIJING — China has phased out a total of 504,000 tons of ozone-depleting substances since its accession to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of ecology and environment, made the remarks during a meeting commemorating this year's International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, held via video link on Sept 16.

Over the last 35 years, more than 99 percent of ozone-depleting substances have been phased out globally, the vice-minister said.

China signed the protocol in 1991, and the Kigali Amendment to the protocol came into effect in the country in 2021.

China will continue to improve its legal and policy systems, honor its commitments and deepen international cooperation, to contribute to the preservation of life on Earth, Zhao said.