China Tackles Local Pollution Despite Overall Gains

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment is reinforcing its commitment to resolving local environmental issues, acknowledging that challenges persist despite nationwide improvements. Spokesman Pei Xiaofei reported that in 2025, the national average PM2.5 concentration reached 28 micrograms per cubic meter, with 89.3 percent of days achieving good air quality, the best recorded since 2013. The main streams of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers have maintained Grade III water quality for six and four consecutive years, respectively.

Pei emphasized that localized problems, such as pollution in smaller water bodies and illegal waste dumping, cannot be overlooked. These issues negatively impact public health and the "Beautiful China" initiative. To combat this, the ministry has guided local authorities in addressing around 41,000 sewage outfalls and expanded its surface water monitoring to over 200 sections, including tributaries and small water bodies.

More than 16,000 heavily polluted water bodies nationwide have been under rectification programs since 2021. By the end of last year, 98.7 percent of 5,042 large rural black and odorous water bodies were treated. The ministry anticipates these will be essentially eliminated near rural communities by 2027. Future actions include launching five targeted campaigns on industrial park pollution and livestock waste management.