BEIJING -- China has earmarked 8 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) to fight air pollution in the country's three industrial zones, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday.

The money is expected to accelerate air pollution treatment in areas around the deltas of the Pearl and Yangtze rivers and the region covering Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province, according to the ministry.

Another 2 billion yuan will be allocated in the second half of the year, mainly targeting the Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei area, the ministry said.

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