Last week, the Beijing environmental authorities issued the first fine to a company under the city's new Air Pollution Prevention and Control Regulation, which came into effect on March 1.

The company has to pay a 100,000 yuan ($16,000) fine, which will double if similar problems are found during the next inspection, and it must stop polluting within three days of being issued the notice.

The move signals the authorities' determination to improve the air quality and gain strengthened public trust, says a Beijing Times opinion piece.