U.S. energy giant ConocoPhillips has apologized for the recent oil spill and has promised to set up a special fund to clean-up affected areas.

The accident has prompted the Chinese Government to pay greater attention to the country's environment.

Premier Wen Jiabao said on Wednesday that the government would strictly control new petrochemical projects around Bohai Bay.

Wen Jiabao, speaking at a Cabinet meeting, said the government would strive to cut pollution in and around the bay to ensure the protection of both the marine environment and those living near the shore.

New petrochemical projects will be put under strict control. The government will also establish a pre-warning system for the bay's marine environment, and improve controls to prevent heavy pollution.

The State Council said the recent oil spill in Bohai Bay worked as a wake-up call for local governments and companies to raise their environment awareness. The Bohai Bay area has become one of the fastest-growing industrial regions in China, following the Yangtze River and Pearl River deltas.

(CNTV.cn September 10, 2011)