It appears that China's latest emissions regulations will get some help from an unexpected place.

At the end of vice president Joe Biden's recent trip to the country, the White House announced that the United States will help China draft a stricter set of emissions standards, called China VI, according to Reuters.

The new standards would require cars to have particulate filters to further cut down on air pollution.

China is currently implementing its fourth-stage China IV emission standards, which cap sulfur emissions from diesel vehicles at 50 parts per million beginning next year, compared to the current level of 350 parts per million.

The China V standards, set to go into effect in 2017, will lower the acceptable level to 10 parts per million.

In comparison, the U.S. currently allows a sulfur content of 15 parts per million, while the European Union sets the standard at 10 parts per million.

BYD e6 electric taxi in service in Shenzhen, China

BYD e6 electric taxi in service in Shenzhen, China

In addition to providing technical assistance with the new China VI standards, the U.S. will also work with China to reduce hydrofluorocarbons--a greenhouse gas used in refigeration--and phase out fossil-fuel subsidies.

China's explosive economic growth has led to cities choked with both smog and traffic jams, and has left the government looking for a solution.

Earlier this year, the Chinese government announced stricter fuel economy standards, and has been encouraging the adoption of electric cars.

Meanwhile, individual cities have also been taking steps to limit air pollution.

Beijing will slash car-sales quotas by 40 percent next year, and has already pledged to scarp 180,000 of the worst-polluting vehicles on its streets.


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