Breaking News - China's state media admits to air pollution crisis

[NewsCaster]

Wang Zhao/AFP-Getty ImagesTwo people wearing face masks make their way along a street in Beijing Tuesday.By Le Li, NBC NewsBEIJING -- If you have been following China’s state-controlled news media you could be forgiven for thinking that clear blue skies -- not oppressive and choking smog -- have been the rule this winter.

But, finally, they seem to have noticed there is a problem.

Days after huge smog clouds settled on some of China’s most important cities, The People's Daily ran two articles on the pollution crisis Monday.

And while one headline declared that “Beautiful China begins to breathe healthily,” the article itself detailed the extent of the problems.

China Central Television News Channel also covered the issue extensively over the weekend.

NBCNews