China orders firms to curb pollution

The Chinese government has ordered firms in heavy-polluting industries to cut emissions by 30% by 2017.

Under the new rules companies will be legally obliged to improve their pollution control equipment and will be penalised for excess emissions.

Analysts said enforcement of the targets was likely to fall to local governments.

The announcement did not specify which industries would be affected by the new emissions rules.

However, earlier this year ministers hinted that industries such as iron, steel, petrochemicals and cement would face new targets.

China has seen scores of environmental protests.