In China, rapid economic development accompanied by complex air pollution issues has resulted in a need for innovative solutions simultaneously addressing these complex pollution issues that lack well developed solutions, since no country has ever faced a similar battle before. To seek innovative solutions, efforts have been made under the Five Sphere Integrated Plan to carry out development under a new concept. In air pollution prevention and control, the Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control was implemented in 2013–2016. This article provides a brief description of its achievements, with an emphasis on atmospheric quality conditions in 2016. Major air pollutants such as PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ have decreased, achieving the Action Plan’s target in advance. Furthermore, international cooperation at the global, regional and bilateral levels related to supporting air pollution prevention and control was also been introduced. Air pollution prevention and control has entered a crucial stage, with great challenges from development and new emerging issues such as ozone. At this stage, to improve air quality further, the Three Year Plan on Defending the Blue Sky was published, serving as a guide for the upcoming three years. The major strategy and objectives of this Three Year Plan are introduced. To improve air quality further with substantial effects, technology cooperation is recommended for facilitating progress toward achieving air pollution prevention and control targets among countries under the guidance of air-related SDG goals and targets.