Final answer:
The Chinese government is discouraging people from buying cars and developing public transportation as part of their response to the environmental challenges presented by the high use of cars in Beijing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chinese government's response to the use of cars in Beijing includes a variety of measures aimed at reducing pollution and traffic congestion. While the options given in the question include a) widening highways, b) encouraging buying smaller cars, c) discouraging people from buying cars, d) building more parking lots, and e) developing public transportation, the most significant current measures focus on option c) discouraging people from buying cars and option e) developing public transportation. This is in light of the fact that China's rapid economic development and urbanization have led to serious environmental concerns, particularly poor air quality in major cities like Beijing.
Encouragement of public transportation has been a crucial step because it offers a more sustainable alternative to individual car usage, helping to reduce overall emissions. This development aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility as China engages with global projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. In addition, the government implements regulations to limit the number of new cars, such as through a license plate lottery system and driving restrictions on certain days, aimed at controling the growth of vehicle population and thereby mitigating pollution.