Beijing’s smog-choked skies to clear just in time for Donald Trump to sweep into town
Northerly winds are expected to disperse pollution in time for US president’s visit to China
Smog shrouding Beijing is expected to clear just in time for US President Donald Trump’s first state trip to China this week.
The Chinese capital issued an orange pollution alert – the second highest in the city’s four-tier system – on Thursday, forecasting that the smog would peak on Monday before abating on Tuesday as northerly winds swept in.
The China Meteorological Administration said a mass of cold air would also move in from the north on Wednesday, helping to disperse the pollution on the first day of the trip.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection said emissions from trucks and factories, and greater use of heaters had worsened the capital’s air quality in recent days, with Beijing’s air quality index rising to “unhealthy” levels on Sunday afternoon.
The heavy smog over the weekend prompted the authorities to impose strict pollution-control measures across the north. From Saturday, Beijing ordered construction put on hold and high-emission vehicles off the road. Barbecues were also banned.