China's State Council has published an action plan to improve air quality amid the country's efforts to promote high-quality economic development. The plan contains a series of measures designed to achieve bluer skies by 2025, such as propelling green industrial shifts, building a cleaner energy mix and developing a low-carbon transport system. It lists the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, as well as the Yangtze River Delta region and the Fenwei Plain, as key areas.

According to the action plan, China will ban new steel production capacities, accelerate the removal of outdated capacities in key industries, and foster green industries. The production and supply of natural gas will also be increased. New energy vehicles will account for no less than 80 percent of new or updated buses, taxis and other urban public transport vehicles in key areas.