Confirming its clear stance on environmental protection initiatives China has unveiled new laws on vehicle emissions. The ruling will come into effect next year and stipulates pollutants from cars should be cut by 30 percent compared to present standings.  

The State Environmental Protection Administration of China say the country will adopt even tougher standards in 2010.

Zhao Yingmin, of the administration's Science and Standards Department, explained the rules are aimed at reducing 1.8 million tonnes of nitrogen oxides, 16 million tonnes of carbon monoxide and 2.2 million tonnes of carbon and hydrogen compounds. It's believed the reduced emission levels will assist boost China's car exports.

China is the world's third-largest car manufacturer with annual production of over 5 million vehicles. Currently there are approximately 33 million cars in the country.

Originally China started to take action to curb automobile emissions in the 1980s and drew up relevant policies in 1999 which are equivalent to the Euro 2 and 3 standards.  

(CRI October 8, 2006)