China undertakes responsibilities to counter climate change

China expects to arrive at a comprehensive and balanced agreement during the two-week Paris climate conference starting from Nov 30.

Leaders of 190 nations will gather in Paris to discuss a new global agreement on climate change that is expected to lead to an action plan after 2020 to avoid the catastrophic results of global warming.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will present China's proposals on countering climate change at the opening of the climate conference.

China has always been actively undertaking international responsibilities to cope with climate change. As Chinese national leaders say, coping with climate change is an inherent requirement of China's sustainable development, as well as a responsible power's international obligation.

During a visit to the United States in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will set up a 20-billion-yuan ($3.1 billion) South-South cooperation fund to help other developing countries cope with the effects of climate change.

China pledges to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 60 to 65 percent from the 2005 level by 2030, and cap its emissions by around 2030.

China will make new contributions to global ecological security by sticking to green development, a notice from the Communist Party of China Central Committee said on Oct 31, when it announced broad proposals for the country's 13th Five-Year Plan. The plan also cited the construction of a highly efficient modern energy system and the promotion of zero emission projects.

Magdy Martinez-Soliman, UN assistant secretary general, thinks highly of China's contributions to cope with climate change.

"China has set an example by transitioning to a green economy. China's commitments are the positive development of the global effort to counter climate change," he said.

He said that the Chinese government has two types of responsibilities at present. Internationally, China has the responsibility to promote agreement during the Paris climate conference and strengthen international cooperation. Domestically, the Chinese government is capable of boosting economic transition and sustainable development.