China welcomes release of two drafts

Turning to Copenhagen where China's top climate negotiator says discussions at the UN conference have shown positive progress. He made the remarks after two major working groups of the conference submitted draft texts on Friday.

The drafts call on all countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 95 percent by 2050. Meanwhile, rich countries are urged to cut emissions by 25 to 40 percent by 2020. Both targets will be compared to 1990 figures. The drafts set no firm figures on cutting emissions or financing.

Su Wei, Deputy Head of Chinese Delegation to Copenhagen, said, "The draft texts show that negotiations are moving forward and making some progress. We welcome the release of these two drafts. Of course, more work needs to be done and more problems need to be solved through negotiations. From an overall perspective, the two texts lay a good foundation for future work and for achieving positive results at the Copenhagen Conference."

Su Wei also stresses that China's commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions would be reportable, measurable and verifiable, once it receives financial and technological support from developed countries. Meanwhile, Su Wei admits that it will be quite difficult for China to realize its target of reducing emissions, but as a responsible country, China will try its best to realize its goal."

China's chief negotiator on climate change Su Wei speaks during a press conference in Copenhagen,Tuesday Dec.8,2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)