'Journey towards clearer skies': China offers India lessons on fighting pollution as Delhi chokes again

This illustration photograph taken on December 3, 2025 shows air quality index (AQI) reading on 'SAMEER', a mobile app of India's Central Pollution Control Bureau (CPCB), at the smog-engulfed Kartavya Path near India Gate in New Delhi. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

China on Monday highlighted what it described as a “shared struggle” with India over air pollution, as Beijing sought to position itself as an example of how severe air quality crises can be tackled over time.

The message came from Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India, who shared a series of posts on X comparing air quality levels in Beijing and New Delhi. The posts included images showing Beijing’s air quality index at 68, while Delhi’s AQI was shown at 447, a level categorised as “severe” by India’s Central Pollution Control Board.

“Both China and India know the struggle with air pollution amid rapid urbanization. While the challenge remains complex, China’s sustained efforts over the past decade have delivered noticeable improvements,” Yu wrote.

The Chinese spokesperson also announced the launch of a social media series that will outline how China dealt with its air pollution crisis. According to Yu, the series will present a step-by-step account of policies and actions Beijing adopted to clean up its air over the years.

“In the coming days, we’ll share a bite-sized series exploring how China tackled air pollution — step by step. Stay tuned for the journey toward clearer skies!” Yu said in another post.

Both China and India know the struggle with air pollution amid rapid urbanization 🌫️📊.

🌫️➡️🌤️ While the challenge remains complex, China’s sustained efforts over the past decade have delivered noticeable improvements. 📌 In the coming days, we’ll share a bite-sized series… pic.twitter.com/0ZG4Rl8ISD — Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) December 15, 2025

The comments come at a time when air quality across Delhi and the wider National Capital Region has once again plunged into the severe category. For the past two days, pollution levels have remained dangerously high, prompting authorities to impose the strictest emergency measures.

The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked stage four of the Graded Response Action Plan, the highest level under the framework. This includes curbs on construction activity, restrictions on polluting vehicles and other emergency steps aimed at reducing emissions.

Delhi’s winter pollution crisis is a recurring problem. Every year, colder temperatures and stagnant air trap emissions from vehicles, construction activity and industrial sources. Smoke from crop burning in neighbouring states further worsens the situation, leading to thick smog that blankets the region for weeks.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels poses serious risks, particularly for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Delhi frequently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world during winter.

China itself struggled with severe air pollution for years, particularly in cities like Beijing. Over the past decade, it has implemented strict industrial controls, reduced coal use and enforced tougher environmental regulations.