PUBLIC MISTRUST

Yet these ambitious targets and vows have failed to assuage a public long frustrated with recurring smog.

If there is any consolation, it is that officials suffer just as much as the average Joe under from the cloying air.

Jack Ma, founder of leading Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba, weighed into the discussion over the weekend, saying, "The smog has made me happier than ever, because those that enjoy privilege over water and food now have to breathe the same air. And when they go home, they face the criticism of their wife and children."

Knowing the air pollution has taken an economic and social toll, the central leadership has expressed intent to build a mechanism that will hold officials accountable for life for the reckless pursuit of economic gains at the expense of the environment.

A document issued by the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee late last year vowed to bring sweeping changes in the assessment of officials.

It laid out a plan to add environmental and social aspects to officials' assessment. It also put a greater emphasis on balanced and sustainable economic development in the hope of making officials think twice before embarking on projects that may devastate the local environment or rack up piles of debt.

"Even as a foreigner, I know the pollution has a lot to do with an overriding focus on economic indicators in evaluating Chinese officials," said Florian Kessler, an executive director with German law firm WZR Consulting.

The German executive speaks fluent Chinese, loves Beijing food and is a big fan of Beijing Guo'an Football Club, but after staying in the city for eight years, he now wants to leave.

"Since I smoke, I'm okay with the pollution, but I can't let my kid inhale the polluted air. That's why I'm leaving," Kessler explained.

He also said that German companies operating in Beijing, such as BMW, Benz and Volkswagen, have all had a hard time finding staff willing to work here.

FABRICATION DANGER

Chai Fahe, deputy head of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, said while making pollution a key factor in assessment could make a difference, it could also force local officials to fabricate data to pass checks and cover up the real scale of the problem.

This is a concern because monitoring agencies are usually affiliated with the government and could face pressure from authorities to understate pollution.

The Chinese public have long been skeptical of environmental data published by state authorities and refer to independent monitoring groups for information many perceive as more reliable.

Chai said that, given the credibility issue, the government should have an open mind about using independent environmental monitors to prevent fraud.

China has made repeated pledges in the past that it would not follow the old path of industrialized nations to develop first and deal with pollution afterward.

But the lingering smog is an awkward reminder that the country is already on that path. Whether they can change route depends on the choice Chinese officials make between environment and growth in the years ahead.