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China's air pollution control policies during the 12th Five Year Plan (2011–2015) are characterized by the targets of 10% nitrogen oxides (NO_x) reduction and 8% sulfur dioxide (SO₂) reduction from the 2010 levels. In this study, the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system was used to evaluate the impact of only SO₂, only NO_x, and joint SO₂/NO_x control measures on particulate matter pollution, the greatest concern for urban air quality in China. Four emission scenarios were developed for 2015, including a business-as-usual scenario, a reference NO_x control scenario based on the governmental plan, an accelerated NO_x control technology scenario, and a scenario assuming joint controls of NO_x and SO₂ based on the governmental plan. Under the planned NO_x control measures, the annual mean concentrations of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) decline by 1.5–6 μg m⁻³ …