China said Thursday that it takes into consideration people's livelihoods and possible environmental degradation when building dams abroad.

"When participating in water and hydroelectric projects as requested by related countries, China is highly concerned with local people's livelihoods and places importance to the possible environmental impacts," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular news briefing.

Hong's remarks came in response to latest reports that China's involvement in dam construction schemes in some countries risk sparking local opposition, or even violence due to lack of transparency and ignoring local residents' concerns.

Water and hydroelectric projects contribute to long-term development of developing nation's economies and are very important to them, Hong said.

Those projects China is involved in are built according to strict environmental standards and China has also demanded its companies abide by laws and regulations in host countries, said Hong.

"Some projects have played an important and active role in helping develop the local economy and improving people's lives," said the spokesman, vowing to continue cooperation with foreign countries on environmental protection projects to benefit their local economies.

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