The three-year action plan approved by the State Council in 2018 marked 2020 as the final year to achieve more blue skies.

The environment ministry with other State organs including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will set goals for polluted areas every year.

"Different cities will have different standards based on their conditions," Liu said.

"Those who fail to meet their air quality improvement targets will be held accountable."

The average concentration of PM2.5 in winter is about twice that of other seasons, so it is important to combat air pollution over the next few months, according to the environment ministry.

"In the coming months, we will make every effort to finish all tasks, reduce the emissions of air pollutants and ensure the completion of the targets to improve air quality in winter," Liu said.