Network enhances pollution control

China has established the world's largest, most comprehensive and technologically advanced environmental monitoring network, according to Dong Baotong, vice-minister of ecology and environment.

The number of monitoring stations across the country directly overseen by the ministry has reached more than 33,000. About two-thirds of the stations focus on soil monitoring, 1,734 monitor air quality and 3,646 oversee groundwater, the official said at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

"The system has covered all cities at and above prefecture level, as well as key river basins and seas under China's jurisdiction," he noted.