Comparisons made with Silent Spring

Chen Jining, newly appointed minister of environmental protection, said that Chai Jing's smog documentary reminded him of Silent Spring, the book written by Rachel Carson and published in 1962.

"Because of the publication of this book, the whole world's attention to the environment was awakened," said Chen. "I think that this documentary will play an important role in drawing public attention to the environment and health. Therefore, I appreciate it very much."

Chen also said that environmental protection departments and the media should be "true friends" to improve the country's environmental protection efforts and raise public awareness to tackle the environmental challenge.