Chinese President Hu Jintao expounded China's stance on tackling climate change on Saturday at the 15th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which opened on Saturday with the theme of "strengthening our community, building a sustainable future," focused on climate change and other issues at the opening session.

In a speech delivered at the meeting, Hu said the overall stable international environment, accelerating economic globalization and rapid progress in technological innovation have presented mankind with a rare opportunity for development.

"As one of the most dynamic regions with great potentials, the Asia-Pacific region has become an important driving force propelling global economic growth," he said.

On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region also faces some uncertainties in its development, the Chinese president said.

Global economic imbalances are increasing, trade protectionism is resurfacing, pressure on energy resources is growing, and issues related to ecological environments have become more acute, Hu said.

Climate change, which concerns the development of the Asia-Pacific and the well-being of all the people in the region, has drawn concern from Asia-Pacific countries, he added.

Climate change poses a severe challenge to the Asia-Pacific region, but the region also has unique strengths in tackling it, the Chinese president said, adding the Asia-Pacific is a region of diversity and strong complementarity.

APEC members have in recent years launched a number of initiatives and measures to tackle climate change, and progress has been made, he said.

"We should build consensus and conduct cooperation on this basis. This will enable us not only to promote sustainable development in our region but also boost the global efforts to address climate change," he told leaders of other APEC member economies.

The Chinese president arrived in Sydney from Canberra on Wednesday to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also paid a state visit to Australia.

The two-day Economic Leaders' Meeting is the culmination of this year's annual APEC meetings, which also include a ministerial meeting, a senior officials' meeting and a business summit.

Since its inception in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies, APEC has played a vital role in making the Asia-Pacific region a driving force for global economic growth.

APEC currently has 21 members and the chairmanship rotates among its members.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2007)