BEIJING - China's environmental watchdog on Monday ordered greater efforts to issue early warnings for air quality, as hazardous air pollution has hit many parts of the country in recent days.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection issued a circular asking local authorities to step up analysis on air pollution trends and publicize information via mass media outlets in a timely manner.

The ministry called for greater efforts to control emissions by key industries and urged regional cooperation in handling air pollution in key areas, namely the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta region and the Pearl River Delta region.