China will set stricter targets to improve air quality according to a new three-year plan, at a time when Beijing is preparing to increase its national offensive against polluters.

The new limits for concentrations of small, respirable particles - known as PM 2.5 - will be lower than those of the current five-year plan, which was due to conclude in 2020, Environment Minister Li Ganjie said on Saturday. during the annual meeting of the Parliament.

Li declined to provide more details about the new targets, as they are still being designed.

"We will set a lower target for the new three-year plan", the government will also establish a nationwide inspection system this year that will give responsibility for regular reviews of polluting companies and factories to local authorities, in addition to the central government , he indicated.

Likewise, local authorities will be punished if they do not enforce regulations correctly, he said. Last year, some regional governments forced the closure of some companies even if they complied with the harsh emissions regulations,

FUENTE