Haste makes waste: China's chief negotiator

Citing an old Chinese proverb, "More haste, less speed", China's chief climate negotiator at the UN climate talks is calling on all negotiators to "stay calm" as the conference enters a "crucial stage."

Earlier in the day, the Copenhagen conference came to a standstill.

China and a number of other developing nations protested an attempt by the presidency of the Copenhagen climate talks to publish draft outcome texts without consulting other parties.

Su wei, deputy head of the Chinese delegation to the UN Climate Change Summit, says China wants the information, but with extensive participation from all contracting parties.

Su wei, deputy head of the Chinese delegation to the UN Climate Change Summit

Su wei said, "We think that actually the move by the presidency to put forward the text before we have the COP to hear the report of the ad hoc working group, the LCA, that would end in reality, in effect...is tantamount to obstruct the process and would very much endanger the successful outcome in Copenhagen."

The texts also drew the criticism of India, Brazil and other developing nations, as well as some non-governmental organizations.

Brazilian Negotiator, said, "So, what I am seeking regarding this is that whenever we reconvene and whenever we take up issues of the LCA, this text will be the basis. That is the assurance that I am seeking. "

Many countries are demanding a legally binding climate treaty be reached in Copenhagen, but divisions between developed and developing nations, mainly over emissions reduction and financing, are eroding any chance of such a deal.