Premier Li Keqiang issued an instruction to promote environmental protection, as a two-day national work conference began on Jan 10.

According to Premier Li, the year 2016 recorded new achievements in promoting environmental protection supervision, reform, and pollution control in key areas.

For the new year, addressing environmental problems as a priority, related departments should continue to promote reform in environmental protection, create innovation in management, enhance environmental responsibilities, strengthen supervision, and respond promptly to public concerns, the Premier said.

Besides, he urged efforts to improve air, water and soil conditions, and especially to carry out research and roll out targeted measures to address smog issue.