Chinese Premier: 'money no object' in smog fight

The nation is willing to spend as much money as needed in its fight against air pollution, Premier Li Keqiang said. In an executive meeting of the State Council on Wednesday, Li spoke about how finding a solution to smog had become an “urgent” matter for people’s health and the quality of their lives. “Smog has indeed become a matter of concern for everyone,” he said. “We will spend however much money needs to be spent.” According to the South China Morning Post, in the first three months of the year, the level of PM2.5 particles in Beijing spiked by almost 27% compared to last year. Recognizing the widespread air quality problems, the Ministry of Finance raised the budget for curbing air pollution by 250% this year, to RMB 40mn (about $6mn), according to the ministry’s website.