CCTV:

We noticed that the key regions have been adjusted in the action plan. Previously, the "Ten Measures for Air" focused on the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta. Later, it expanded to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, the Yangtze River Delta and the Fen-Wei Plains. And we see the coverage has been further expanded. Could you elaborate on this aspect? Thank you.

Liu Bingjiang:

Thank you. The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution clearly stipulates that the relevant ecological environment department of the State Council, namely the MEE, shall determine the key regions for the prevention and control of atmospheric pollutants nationwide based on the zoning for major functions, pollution status, transmission characteristics and transmission paths, and report them to the State Council for approval. Your observation is very meticulous. The first "Ten Measures for Air" covered the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, involving 47 cities. The Three-Year Action Plan for Winning the Blue Sky Defense Battle covered the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, Yangtze River Delta and Fen-Wei Plains, with a total of 80 cities. This time, it covers 82 cities. The notable change is that more adjustments have been made to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas, from the original "2+26" cities to "2+36" cities. Overall, there has not been a significant change in the total number of key cities for air pollution prevention and control nationwide, which has increased from 80 to 82 cities. Cities in the southern part of the Yangtze River Delta have basically achieved stable PM2.5 compliance and have therefore been excluded, based on the current status of air quality improvement and the characteristics of atmospheric transmission.

The expansion from "2+26" to "2+36" reflects a decade of sustained efforts. We have now found that in the border region between the Yangtze River Delta and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, cities in the intersection of Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Henan provinces have PM2.5 concentrations almost equal to those in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas and the Fen-Wei Plains, both around 45 micrograms per cubic meter, making it a region with a prominent pollution issue. During periods of pollution, this area often serves as the starting point, with pollutants spreading northward to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and southward to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Based on this characteristic, as well as years of monitoring, meteorological parameters and scientific research findings, this region has been included. Cities included in the key regions for national air pollution prevention and control will receive greater national support and face heavier tasks, thereby forming a concept of air basin in the overall region. Just as water basins have boundaries, as professionals, we know where the boundaries of atmospheric basins are. This allows the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas and the Yangtze River Delta to be integrated, enabling systematic and holistic solutions to air pollution issues. Thank you.