The Ministry of Environmental Protection announced on Monday that out of the country's 74 big cities, only 19 passed air quality tests last month.

While the latest figures show the need for more efforts to improve the air quality in the country, it is worth pointing out that this is an improvement of the air quality readings in June 2014 - when less than 10 big cities passed the test.

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Air pollution has been highlighted as a major problem in China as the country pursues economic expansion. Experts generally agree that one of the key sources of air pollution is burning coal; which releases dangerous PM2.5 (matter of 2.5 micrometers in diameter) into the atmosphere.

A recent World Bank report showed that the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere in China far exceeded that anywhere else in the world - making China the country with the worst air quality.

The Chinese government has since declared a "war" on pollution with the adoption of a revised Environmental Law. Authorities have also revealed plans of regulating emissions, imposing larger fines on heavy polluters and promoting environmentally friendly sources of energy.

The state of air pollution varies across China - while some cities are experiencing clear skies, others continue to battle with an increase in pollution. Last month, the Environmental Protection Ministry revealed that the air quality in the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, consistently scored positively throughout the year.

Chen Jining, China's Environmental Minister, also announced that generally the country's air quality has shown consistent improvements since last year - with a reduction in the amount of both PM10 and PM2.5 in the atmosphere.  

But this trend seems to be reversing. In June, the amount of PM2.5 in the air in Beijing was found to have increased by about 11 percent compared to the city's PM2.5 readings in June 2014, Reuters reported.  Authorities in Beijing are taking several steps to improve the city's air quality, including restricting the amount of cars on the road and relying on 'green' energy. Beijing is set to cut its reliance on coal and rely on wind power for heating,China Daily reported on Monday.

Tagschina air quality, China Big Cities June Air Quality Readings, China Air Pollution, China PM2.5 air pollution, China PM10 Pollution, Beijing Air Pollution