BREAKING NEWS

China says only it has right to monitor air pollution

By REUTERS

JUNE 5, 2012 08:58

BEIJING - A senior Chinese official demanded on Tuesday that foreign embassies stop issuing air pollution readings, saying it was against the law and diplomatic conventions, in pointed criticism of a closely watched US embassy index.

The level of air pollution in China's heaving capital varies, depending on the wind, but a cocktail of smokestack emissions, vehicle exhaust, dust and aerosols often blankets the city in a pungent, beige shroud for days on end.

Many residents dismiss the common official readings of "slight" pollution in Beijing as grossly under-stated.

The US embassy has installed a monitoring point on its roof which releases hourly air-quality data via a widely followed Twitter feed. The US consulate in Shanghai provides a similar service.

US fighter shot down in 'apparent case of friendly fire' over Red Sea

By REUTERS

12/22/2024 05:39 AM

Earthquake of magnitude 5.48 strikes South Africa, GFZ says

By REUTERS

12/22/2024 03:09 AM

Turkey will do whatever it takes if Syria government won't address Kurds

By REUTERS

12/22/2024 02:38 AM

Trump picks billionaire Landry's chairman as Italy ambassador

By REUTERS

12/22/2024 01:21 AM