IN BRIEF (Page 5)

Beijing

Joint effort reduces air pollutants

Regional cooperation in curbing air pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has achieved great success in reducing pollutants, Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said in Beijing on Tuesday. PM2.5 levels were cut by 20 percent year-on-year in the first four months, he said. PM2.5 refers to air particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate the lungs and harm health. Zhang urged the three governments to upgrade their coordinated working system with more comprehensive efforts, such as reducing coal use, in preparation for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory in World War II on Sept 3.