China plans to effectively eliminate severe air pollution by the end of 2025, according to a senior environmental official. Authorities are intensifying pollution control and emissions reduction efforts as part of their ongoing “battle for blue skies.”

Li Tianwei, Director of the Department of Atmospheric Environment, stated that China will enhance air quality forecasting and early warning systems while improving coordinated management of PM2.5 and ozone pollution.

Despite progress, air pollution remains a significant issue, impacting both the economy and public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes around two million deaths annually in China, with ambient pollution responsible for over one million fatalities. The WHO defines PM2.5 concentrations above 50 micrograms per cubic meter as “severe” air pollution.

In 2024, China saw notable improvements in air quality. The average PM2.5 concentration in cities fell to 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a 2.7% year-on-year decrease. Additionally, the percentage of days with good air quality rose to 87.2%, an increase of 1.7 percentage points.

To further improve air quality, China plans to introduce stricter emission standards, expand the use of new energy vehicles in airports, ports, and logistics hubs, and shift bulk cargo transportation from roads to rail and waterways.

President Xi Jinping has emphasized that environmental protection and green development are key priorities in China’s vision of building a modern socialist country.