The Chinese government has just approved a three-year action plan aimed at cleaning the nation's air. The plan focuses on China's most heavily-polluted areas, and developing a greener economy across the country. Natalie PANG has more on the state council presser on the "Battle for Blue Skies".

By 2020, China could wake up to clearer skies, and a greener environment. That's according to the nation's top environmental authorities in a new three-year action plan. They expect that within two years, total emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide will decrease more than 15% compared with 2015 levels. They also say PM2.5 will drop by more than 18%. Meanwhile, cities will enjoy "good" quality air days for about 80% of the year. Such ambitious targets require the government to take decisive action, focusing on three of China's largest regions.

ZHAO YINGMIN, DEPUTY MINISTER MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT "The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region still remains the most heavily polluted, despite making tremendous progress in the past five years. Following that, the Fenwei plain ranks second , with coal-mine burning being its major pollutant. Then third is the northwestern part of Yangtze River delta. But the Pearl River Delta, including Guangzhou and its surrounding areas, now meets air-quality standards, and is no longer on our watch list."

Green development is another priority of this new action plan, especially in terms of industry, energy, transportation and land use. Strong efforts will be made to cut overcapacity, promote clean heat for the northern region, and phase-out aging vehicles and vessels. To truly implement these measures, Zhao says supervision is paramount.

ZHAO YINGMIN, DEPUTY MINISTER MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT "We have found that some enterprises only follow environmental regulations when there is an inspection. Some even falsified monitoring data to make emission levels show a negative reading. In recent inspections, we are dealing with these issues and will enhance responsibilities of enterprises and local government."

Though the fight could still be challenging, the new action plan, along with existing regulations show China's great determination to win the battle. Natalie PANG, CGTN.