China could consider 2-degree-temperature-rise as long-term goal: premier

COPENHAGEN, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- China could consider the two-degree-temperature-rise as a long-term goal to strive for in the international efforts to curb global warming, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Thursday during meetings with some world leaders in Copenhagen.

"We can consider having language such as the increase in average global temperature ought not to exceed 2 degree Celsius as a long term goal for us to achieve," the premier was quoted as saying by Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei at a press briefing.

Wen pointed out that there are different views in the scientific circle about different temperature options, and these differences should not be allowed to interfere or impede the process of negotiation.

As for the peak time of global emissions, Wen said that the final document for the conference may indicate that the international community will jointly strive for "a time to peak as early as we can."

But considering the different development levels between developed and developing countries, it should also be emphasized in the document that "priorities for developing countries are economic development and elimination of poverty," the premier said.