Premier says they will be 'brought to justice and held accountable' for illegal production and emissions

China will tackle air pollution with tough punishments that will make the costs for those behind illegal production and emission "too high to bear", Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday.

The premier commented on strengthened efforts this year to tackle air pollution during a news conference at the end of the third session of the 12th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.