Slow Cloud from China

The government of Japan is setting new measures against the aggression of China from the air. It is not about the areal invasion of Chinese aircraft around Senkaku Islands, but about air pollution of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), chemical particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers produced by industries or car exhaustion in China, flying on the Westerlies. Although the government recommends its nations some defensive activities such as refraining from going out of house, it would have few effects unless the relationship between two governments is improved.

The economic growth of China puts pressure not only on its nations, but also neighbor countries. A lot of factories of steel makers, chemical producers, or car industries emit smoke in the air. But with those industries, the Chinese experienced economic growth. With growing income, the workers can eventually afford to buy cars. Those huge numbers of cars emit further exhaust fumes. The small particles which consist of the emission gas harm not only the health of residents in the cities with factories, but also people in Japan, especially in the western side of it. It is the responsibility of Chinese government to take some measures to reduce the gas. China is an irresponsible stakeholder so far.

Those particles are brought to Japan by yellow sands flying from Chinese desert area. The Ministry of Environment of Japan already has standards on PM 2.5. The ministry is enhancing it. As one of the new measures, it takes on financial support for cities to set new measurement assets of PM 2.5. It is also planning to make a guideline for the people. It includes the recommendation of refraining from going out of house, of wearing a mask, or of watching out for kids, the olds and patients of lung or heart disease, when the monitors marked certain high.

Japan has a lot of things to do for reducing air pollution originated in China. Japan went through hard times of air pollution caused by rapid economic growth in 1960s and 1970s. Companies developed high-level technology for reducing bad effect on people, which can be adopted to China, too. Current administration in Japan, however, does not have normal relationship with China. It is difficult for government officials or private sectors to deal with cooperation with Chinese industries. As a result, the government of Japan cannot help its nations from air pollution. The issue needs to be recognized as a mater of national security.

After the spring break, the Chinese people return from their hometowns to the cities, and resume their work and daily activity. The emission is again coming in the air. In Japan, March is a season of pollen allergy. People need to be more careful of what is in the air.