China calls on west to take lead in cutting gas emissions

China is urging developed countries to take the lead in the push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as honoring their commitments to transferring funds and technology to poorer nations.

China's top climate change negotiator, Su Wei said in Copenhagen, that one of the key goals of the climate conference is to seal a deal that will succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

UN scientists, say that developed countries must cut carbon emissions by 25 to 40 percent from 1990 levels. But many Western nations have fallen short on meeting those targets. He said it's unfair for richer countries to be bound by the same responsibilities as developing nations.

Su Wei said the US proposal on emission cuts and the details of financial assistance and technology transfers, is essential for the success of the conference. Su said the US offered a 17-percent reduction target for its greenhouse gas emissions. However, experts say the target is only 4 percent below 1990 levels, calling it far short of the significant reduction it has announced.

Su Wei stressed that developed countries should take responsibility for the their past emissions, and create positive conditions for developing countries to achieve development while tackling poverty.