Nationalist Chinese Newspaper Says Smog Protects the Country

China's chronic emissions problem could actually be keeping the country safe, according to a nationalist newspaper that argued smog could be a military defense.

Global Times, a publication with Communist Party affiliations, said particles in the air could deter missile guidance that relies on human sight, infared rays and lasers, Gawker reported via South China Morning Post.

"Smog may affect people's health and daily lives ... but on the battlefield, it can serve as a defensive advantage in military operations," said an article on the website of Global Times.

As an example, the article said that soldiers used smoke from burning tires to fend off air strikes during the Kosovo war. During the first Gulf War, thermal imaging equipment on American tanks couldn't see as far, the article said.

After some rough criticism, the post was removed, according to Gawker.

"Are you saying the smog is not air pollution, but a national defense measure?" one blogger asked.

Another reader commented with: "But enemies wouldn't need to resort to missile attacks if the smog continues to increase--people will simply be poisoned to death."

The smog problem in China has caused officials to cut back on new car sales, temporarily close highways and instate a driving schedule in major cities like Beijing.

The country is working with the United States on a new set of emissions restrictions in an effort to cut back on smog. The two nations release the most greenhouse gases, but China is far ahead.

China's current regulations are working to cut emissions from 350 to 50 parts per million. The next set of restrictions planned for 2017 will focus on reducing the number even further to 10 parts per million, which will compare to U.S. standards, which cap emissions at the same rate.

As China's middle class grows, more people have purchased cars and increased auto emissions. In 2012, there were around 120 million privately owned vehicles in China, but by 2020, that number is expected to hit 200 million.

Besides the pollution issue, the increase in cars is clogging the country's highways. In 2010, Beijing saw the worst traffic jam in history--62 miles of cars lasting for 12 days, according to Forbes.