Toxic fumes know no borders. Joint efforts by adjacent provinces and cities are of vital importance to effective air pollution control.

That explains why coordinated actions were emphasized by the State Council as one of the 10 measures for air pollution control in its meeting at the weekend.

Latest statistics show that the air quality in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province is lower than the national average. Beijing enjoyed its cleanest air during the month it hosted the Olympic Games in 2008 thanks to the suspension of production in all industrial enterprises in the adjacent province and cities. This shows how these industries contribute to the capital's air pollution. The toxic exhaust fumes from Beijing's 5 million motor vehicles have also spread to the surrounding areas.