The 8th Semi-Annual NHLBI Global Health Centers for Excellence Steering Committee meeting was held in Beijing on April 12-16, 2013. Professor Yang Ke delivered an opening speech, and Professor Weigang Fang and Dr. Joseph Kolars presented an overview of the Joint Institute. In addition, Professor Qiudan Sun introduced the three Cores of the JI and Dr. Margaret Gyetko (representing herself and Professor Bei He) introduced the progress of JI pulmonary program. Professor Wei Huang also presented a study about air pollution and cardio-pulmonary effects in contemporary China.