China ups tax on international flights to cut emissions

China on Tuesday added 20 RMB ($3.18) to a charge on passengers on international flights, saying it would use the revenue to, among other things, cut CO2 emissions from its planes, a move that could impact the inclusion of Chinese airlines in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The Ministry of Finance said on its website it has raised the standard charge for passengers on international flights by China-registered airlines to 90 RMB from 70 RMB.
The revenue will be spent on a number of issues, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, improving safety and education, science and training measures. The ministry statement did not say how much would be spent specifically on emission cuts. China and a number of other nations, including India, Russia and the US, are headed for a trade war with the EU over Europe's decision to bring all flights to and from the continent into its cap-and-trade scheme.