China's efforts at UN climate talks

The UN Climate Conference wrapped up in Copenhagen with a non-binding agreement. But the process that led to reaching a consensus was hampered by some countries' differences on the responsibility of curbing carbon emissions. China's chief negotiator at the talks, Xie Zhenhua, spoke about the country's efforts at the talks.

Guaranteeing developing countries' economic progress was China's stance at the UN summit. The stance called for developed countries to take the lead in cutting carbon emissions, while developing countries would take appropriate action with financial support from developed countries.

Xie Zhenhua said, "Developing countries including China announced their emission targets under the provision of no financial or technological support. But developed countries thought they were insufficient. They want developing countries to take more responsibility. They have linked developing countries' emission targets with financial support, which would split relations among developing countries. We cannot accept it because they haven't committed the money they should. Finally, they shirk the responsibility to developing countries. Under the name of carbon reduction, their real target is preventing developing countries' from further development and maintaining the gap between the rich and the poor. This is unreasonable. We have expressed our dissatisfaction over this to other developed countries."

China attracted attention at the Copenhagen meeting for its aggressive approach to tackling climate change. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's efforts were crucial in securing the Copenhagen Accord.

Xie said, "Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with the Danish Prime Minister and the General Secretary of the United Nations. Premier Wen also held talks with leaders of island countries, the most undeveloped countries including African countries, developed countries as well as G77 delegates. When the climate talks remained deadlocked, Premier Wen met with US President Barack Obama twice and joined the leaders of Brazil, South Africa and India. The Premier contributed greatly to finalizing an agreement at the Copenhagen meeting."