Tougher steps taken as smog grips region again

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei temporarily clear, but pollution is forecast to return through Friday

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has entered its fifth round of heavy smog since the beginning of October, dragging down air quality and forcing governments to take tougher measures.

However, top-level inspection teams continue to report violations of pollution rules by companies and weak implementation by local authorities.