China Voice: United, we survive, divided, we fall

Ministers from almost 200 countries on Monday began to review the final draft of a new global climate agreement, kicking off a week of compromise and a test of the united force of the world.

Negotiators met Saturday's deadline and slashed a nearly 300-page document, which had been debated at Copenhagen in 2009, to a 21-page draft. With clearer wording, and fewer options, the world is closer than ever to agreeing on a global climate deal.

Yet, the draft is full of brackets and multiple options, indicating that divergences remain.

One of the biggest divisions is over money.

Six years ago, developed countries pledged 100 billion U.S. dollars annually for developing countries from 2020, but the reality has left much to be desired.

Only 62 billion U.S. dollars had been raised as of 2014, according to an OECD report released in October. However, doubts remain over the accounting system, and if that is the true amount raised.

Other disagreements remain over the systems of differentiated responsibility, technology transfer, action ambition and legal questions.

To solve these differences, blame must be avoided at all costs.

Climate change does not respect national boundaries.

In the rush to end the negotiation marathon, ministers should not trade ambition for expediency.

It is reassuring to see that most countries have submitted plans to curb their emissions from 2020. This gives us a reason for, albeit cautious, optimism and confidence.

China has been consistent in keeping its promises to address climate change, and measures have had positive ripple affects globally.

China will peak CO2 emissions by 2030, and reduce CO2 per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

This requires true commitment to the cause, but China is confident and resolved.

Ecological efforts feature prominently in the proposals for China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), and even though China is a developing country, it has pledged a 20 billion yuan (3.1 billion U.S. dollars) to help other developing countries cope with climate change.

While developed countries are obliged to provide money to the climate change fund, China's contribution is voluntary.

On international cooperation, China will establish 10 low-carbon areas, as well as 100 mitigation and adaptation projects through initiatives with other developed countries.

Negotiation requires compromise.

China will not compromise on fundamental principles such as "common but differentiated responsibilities," a cornerstone of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, but could be flexible in ways to implement these principles.

The next phase of this negotiation marathon will require compromise and cooperation to achieve a strong deal by Dec. 11.

Climate change impacts the world. United, we survive. Divided, we fall. China is ready to work with the world. Endi