Blue-sky thinking: Xi Jinping tells Apec leaders he checks pollution every day
President Xi Jinping has been checking Beijing’s pollution first thing every morning, he told world leaders, after authorities pulled out all the stops to avoid the city’s notorious smog during a summit.
President Xi Jinping has been checking Beijing’s pollution first thing every morning, he told world leaders yesterday, after authorities pulled out all the stops to avoid the city’s notorious smog during a summit.
The capital is periodically hit by choking, acrid haze with particulate levels soaring far beyond recommended limits. Public anger is mounting over the issue, tourists are staying away and the Communist government is increasingly embarrassed.
For the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting Beijing and neighbouring areas have imposed tight limits on car use, ordered factories to close, and given public-sector employees holidays.
Watch: China's Xi Jinping on Beijing's blue skies during APEC
The result has been stunning skies popularly dubbed “Apec blue” by online commentators mocking their temporary nature. Even Xi himself used the phrase yesterday.
Levels of PM2.5 particulates, the smallest and most dangerous, fell to four micrograms per cubic metre last Thursday – down from more than 400 during a period of heavy pollution last month. The World Health Organisation’s recommended maximum is 25.