The reading on PM2.5, an air quality gauge monitoring particles 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, will help determine the promotion or demotion of leading officials in Beijing, the Beijing News reported on Friday, citing a municipal opinion on strengthening environmental protection.

According to the opinion issued by the Beijing municipality on Feb 16, the main indexes gauging environmental quality, including PM2.5, will be brought into the assessment of leading officials' performance.

If these indexes fail to meet standards, the officials will get a negative assessment, which means "no" for any promotion.

The opinion also said the city's work to control air pollution will focus on reducing the density of PM2.5.