Environmentalists have reacted angrily to claims that a southern Chinese province has balked on a pollution-busting agreement with neighbouring Hong Kong, dashing hopes of cutting chronic smog.
Green groups said it raised serious doubts about the commitment of both governments to cutting worsening pollution in the region.
"Everyone will suffer as a result of this single-handed change to the targets," said Cheng Luk-ki of Hong Kong environmental protest group Green Power.
Friends of the Earth Hong Kong said the revelations illustrated the lack of transparency in dealings with the Chinese authorities and accused leaders of "playing cat and mouse" with the environment.
