China says developed countries should be held responsible for the sluggish progress of the Copenhagen climate talks as they "move backward" on issues like technological and financial support for developing countries. Our reporter Wang Ling has more.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Jiang Yu, dlivered the message on Tuesday at a regular news briefing,citing the key to success of the Copenhagen talks is for rich countries to shoulder their responsibilities. (www.hXen.com)
"We reiterate that developed countries should take responsibilities to offer technological and financial support to developing countries to tackle the issue of climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has required developed countries to provide fund and technology to developing countries. However, developed countries have failed to honor their commitments, and developing countries were skeptical about their sincerity. "
Jiang Yu said developed world should provide additional, sufficient and foreseeable funds for developing countries, which "is an important condition for a successful Copenhagen conference".
She noted China, based on its own resources, has taken active and effective policies and measures and made evident achievements in coping with climate change. With sufficient international support, she says China can improve in combating climate change and global environment protection.
Jiang Yu also refuted some misleading reports about Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, He Yafei's comments in an interview with Financial Times. He was reported saying China would not be demanding support from the developed world to cut its emissions.
"When Mr. He Yafei was asked on the issue of fund support by Financial Times reporter, his answer is China understands and attaches importance to the special concerns of lesser-developed countries, and supports their prior use of the funds. So his remarks were misunderstood."
Jiang Yu added that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will leave on Wednesday for Copenhagen, where he will deliver a speech to clarify China's stance on climate change and put forward proposals for international cooperation on the issue.
"China believes all countries should work together to tackle the issue of climate change. Developed countries, especially, should live up to their obligations, demonstrate political sincerity and honor their commitments so as to contribute to substantial progress of the Copenhagen talks. "
