East Asian nations will work together to reduce air pollution

China, Japan and South Korea agreed on Monday to cooperate to reduce regional air pollution, despite strained relations resulting from territorial disputes.

The decision was taken at the annual environmental meeting in Kitakyushu, where air pollution took centre stage.

Smog across the region has increased in recent years, prompting health warnings in Japan earlier in 2013 and growing concern in China.

Japan’s Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara claimed that it was “indispensable for China, South Korea and other countries to cooperate” to solve problems related to air pollution and climate change.

China’s vice-minister for environmental protection said that the Chinese people “wish to create a more beautiful environment in Asia by continuing cooperation with Japan and China.” 

 

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Sources: Phys.org; Agence France Presse; US Congressional Research Service