China 'consulted with developing countries on climate deal'
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing Sunday that China's communication with other developing countries at the Copenhagen climate summit was full, transparent and unimpeded.
The UN Climate Change Conference ended in the Danish capital Saturday with a legally non-binding agreement, the Copenhagen Accord.
Some media alleged that the Accord was not transparent because it was agreed secretly among the BASIC countries and the United States and was submitted to the Conference without consulting other countries, especially small island states and least developed countries.
These were untrue and irresponsible comments made out of ulterior motives, Qin said.
Full, transparent, unimpeded communication
China always participated in the negotiations and consultations with a cooperative, responsible and constructive attitude and stayed in close communication with all other parties, he said.
As a developing country, China firmly upheld the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", steadfastly defended the development rights and interests of the vast number of developing countries and unswervingly safeguarded their unity and coordination, he said.
Based on full consultation with other developing countries and the Group of 77, the BASIC countries, which include China, India, South Africa and Brazil, presented a joint text to the parties concerned at the very beginning of the Conference, Qin noted.
Premier Wen Jiabao met with the leaders of relevant small island states, least developed countries and African countries for a long period of time in Copenhagen to listen to their opinions, he said.
Premier Wen expressed full understanding and firm support to their legitimate requests, and stated that China would, to the best of its ability, continue to support and assist these countries within the framework of South-South cooperation and through bilateral channels, Qin said.
China's position and proposition were widely supported and appreciated by other developing countries, Qin noted.
Important, positive outcomes
When asked to assess Cop 15, Qin said it was an important opportunity for international cooperation to address climate change.
"Thanks to joint efforts of all parties, important and positive outcomes were achieved at the meeting," he said.
First, the framework and principles established by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol, especially the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", were firmly upheld, he said.
Second, new steps were taken for developed countries' mandatory emissions reduction targets and developing countries' voluntary mitigation actions, Qin said.
Third, broad consensus was reached on such central issues as global long-term goals, financial and technology support and transparency, Qin noted.
Premier Wen's presence at the high-level event "fully demonstrated Chinese government's highly responsible attitude towards the Chinese people, people in the rest of the world and future generations," Qin said.
Premier Wen delivered an important speech at the meeting, in which he comprehensively expounded on Chinese government's position, propositions and measures to tackle climate change.
Premier Wen also engaged, communicated and coordinated with all other parties closely, calling upon them to bear in mind the overall picture, strengthen confidence, respect each other and conduct equal consultation, build consensus according to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", and seek common ground and reserve differences in the spirit of win-win cooperation as so to strive for outcomes of the Conference, Qin said.
With sincerity, resolve and confidence, China exerted its utmost efforts, did all that it could, played a positive and constructive role in promoting progress of the Conference along the right course and made important contributions to enhancing international cooperation on climate change, he said.
Not an end, but a new beginning
"Addressing climate change is a long and arduous endeavor. The Copenhagen Conference is not an end, but rather a new beginning," Qin said.
He urged all parties to continue to demonstrate political sincerity, stick to the principles enshrined in the Convention and the Protocol, follow the Bali Road Map, earnestly deliver on their commitments, honor their due obligations, and make unremitting efforts in this regard.
"Committed to the path of sustainable development, China will work with the rest of the international community and continue to contribute to the historical process of mankind's endeavor against climate change," Qin said.
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