Beijing issues first major smog alert of winter

A man wearing a mask to combat the poor air quality in Beijing last November. The Chinese capital has issued an orange alert, the second-highest on China's four-level system.
A man wearing a mask to combat the poor air quality in Beijing last November. The Chinese capital has issued an orange alert, the second-highest on China's four-level system.PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Move sparks efforts to curb heavy industry output as cold weather spurs heating demand