The annual rate of sea level rise along China’s coastal areas increased to 3.3 millimeters on average between 1980 and 2017, according to the blue paper regarding China’s climate change released on April 3.

The average land surface temperature in the territory of China has also been experiencing a noticeable rise since the beginning of the 21st century. Furthermore, the country has experienced the warmest period in the latest 20 years since 1900, said the paper, first of its kind released by the National Climate Center of China Meteorological Administration.

The paper said many vital indicators and comprehensive observations have indicated that global warming is continuing.

In 2017, China’s sea level was 58 millimeters higher than the average level between 1993 and 2011, the fourth highest since 1980. The paper said the rise in sea level was caused by thermal expansion of sea water, melting of ice glaciers and changes in land water storage.