I would disagree. The importance of environment vs economy depends on your state of development.
When you lack the most basic instructure, then obviously the environment takes a back seat. However, once people start living a comfortable life, then environmental protection becomes much more important. Money can't buy clean air and water.
What's more, this isn't an either-or proposition. Technology plays a big role in environmental protection. The more advanced your tech is, the less you need to pollute. In a way, pollution is a phase of development, a kind of growing pains.
I'm not intending to square against your opinion. But we must look at things in a holistic manner. Coronavirus as well as the trade wars has resulted in a broad loss of Chinese image, gain in Domestic market confidence as well as a realization that vertical integration and overall self sufficiency is necessary for national security.
Under this context, industrialization needs to be pursued - even if it means giving lower priority to Environment. All of this to ensure that Made in China "2025" would be possible by 2030.
All technologically advanced countries "pollute". They simply give money to make sure that the pollution is offshore in some developing countries. We all know about that China global waste processing debacle.
Countries of Africa and South Asia are still being violated as dumping grounds by these technologically advanced countries.
Case in Point - Japan. Japan is addicted to plastic. Even when Nippon Apologists say that Japan tries to recycle, the harsh truth is that it is exported to China.
China cannot be a two faced hypocrite. I envision a fully industrialized country that is able to internally circulate its wastes and is largely self sufficient - yet depending and taking part in Global trade for better economical gains and competitiveness.