China to make greater progress in addressing pollution

China will cut sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 3 percent and achieve a continuous decline in PM2.5 density in key areas, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday when delivering a government work report at the annual parliamentary session.

China will encourage upgrading in the steel and other industries to achieve ultra-low emissions, and continue efforts to prevent and control water and soil pollution, Li said.

This year, chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen emissions will be cut by 2 percent, he said.

The government will redouble efforts to protect and restore ecosystems, and finish setting redlines for ecological conservation across the country.

This year, more than 6.67 million hectares of land will be afforested, and crop rotation and fallow land trials will be increased to cover 2 million hectares of farmland, according to the premier.

"Wetland protection and restoration will be expanded and pilot reforms for the national parks system will be continued," he said.

"We will completely prohibit garbage from being brought into China," he added.