The Chinese government's response to the smog covering Beijing before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting on Nov 5-11 gives me a sense of d��j�� vu, albeit of a positive kind. Remember the 2008 Olympic Games and the media storm created over the air quality in Beijing before blue skies greeted athletes and officials a day prior to the opening ceremony? No athlete's performance was affected by the city's air quality, as traffic flowed freely.
 The Chinese leadership has emphasized the importance of taking measures to deal with the smog during the APEC meeting. Beijing authorities announced a yellow alert for severe smog and air pollution with PM2.5 at more than 500 micrograms per cubic meter. They also have imposed strict vehicle control, encouraged residents to take public transport and declared a six-day holiday to keep the skies clear.Â