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China reiterates responsibilities principle on climate

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-14 15:10

BEIJING: Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday reiterated China's stance on the climate change issue, stressing the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities".

Li made the remarks while meeting with Australian Climate Change Minister Penny Wong.

Li said that climate change, not only an environmental issue but also a development issue, should be solved with joint efforts and common development of the international community.

Li reiterated the "common but differentiated responsibilities", set up in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signed by more than 150 countries in 1992, saying that to tackle climate change should be integrated with sustainable development, fostering new economic growth points and balanced world economic development.

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State and government leaders from about 190 countries will attend the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December, which is expected to renew greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets set by the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol, which are to expire in 2012.

China holds that the developed countries should take the lead in cutting gas emissions and honor their commitments to support developing countries with funds and technology transfers.

In September, Chinese President Hu Jintao unveiled a number of climate targets and plans in his address to the opening session of the United Nations climate summit in New York, including a promise that China would cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product by "a notable margin" by 2020 from the 2005 level.

Wong is in Beijing to discuss with Chinese officials on cooperation on the climate change. She will hold talks with Xie Zhenhua, vice minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) later Wednesday. Xie is also the country's top representative to international climate change negotiations.

"China and Australia have cooperative mechanism, and also have good cooperative relations in this regard," Li told Wong.