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CHINA:BEIJING HAS enjoyed its cleanest air in 10 years this month - some commentators believe it is the best air in 100 years - and environmental officials are promising a raft of new measures to ensure the city's skies stay clear longer term.

Beijingers have had a taste of a decent environment in the past few days, and people are doing unusual things like opening their windows or venturing out onto their balconies, but many are too afraid to dream of a real improvement in the atmosphere.