Environment minister shares China's clean air achievements
By Gong Zhe

Li Ganjie, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment, told reporters on Sunday that he's aware of the global focus on the country's air quality.

"I was asked [about air quality] at every presser. I also gave answers every time," said Li during a press conference marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

Li said PM2.5 levels in 74 monitored Chinese cities have fallen by 41.7 percent from 2013 to 2018.

"Many people in Beijing felt the air quality is getting much better, that matches with our data," Li told reporters.

Beijing's PM2.5 levels dropped by 20.5 percent in 2017, 12.1 percent in 2018, and 14.3 percent in the first eight months of 2019.

"This speed is fast compared to our past records. It's also rare globally because I found it very hard to come up with a previous example [like what we have done]," Li explained.

Li mentioned early planning, structural adjustments in economy, better monitoring technologies and wider supervision as some of the key reasons behind improving air quality in the country. 

However, Li also admitted that the current air quality levels in China are still dependent on weather conditions.

"When the weather is good, PM2.5 levels will drop 10 to 30 percent. But when the weather is bad, the levels can increase by 10 to 30 percent."

The minister also promised to continue the efforts to bring more blue-sky happiness to the Chinese people.