Chinese and Japanese experts in environmental protection are working on a joint project to improve the environment in Beijing and its surrounding areas.

The project is now focusing on Fengning County in north China's Hebei Province, considered one of Beijing's major sandstorm sources.

1,500 hectares of trees and vegetation have already been planted since 1998 with an investment of 300 million Japanese yen, nearly US$3 million, from Japan's Toyota company.

(CRI April 4, 2004)