China's air quality reached unprecedented levels in 2025, marking the best performance since nationwide monitoring began, according to a Friday announcement by Li Tianwei, an official at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The milestone reflects accelerated progress in the country's decade-long campaign to reduce pollution and transition to clean energy.
Data shows average PM2.5 concentrations fell 42% compared to 2020 levels, with blue-sky days increasing by 28% in major urban centers. Li attributed the improvement to coordinated efforts including phasing out coal-fired boilers, expanding renewable energy infrastructure, and implementing stricter emission controls for industrial facilities.
"This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of our ecological civilization strategy," Li stated, highlighting the role of electric vehicle adoption and reforestation programs. International environmental groups have acknowledged China's progress while urging continued collaboration on transboundary climate challenges.
The results come as the Chinese mainland intensifies efforts to meet its 2030 carbon neutrality targets, with analysts noting potential economic benefits from improved public health and green technology exports.
