SCIO briefing on China’s Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change (2016)

 Xinhua News Agency:

Just now you mentioned that before the Paris Agreement took effect, there had been a very deep chasm between some countries on some key issues, the negotiations had been very difficult and China had played a very important role during the process. Now the Paris Agreement has been reached, so what are your expectations for the Marrakech Conference, particularly relating to the strength as well as the outcome of the negotiations? Moreover, you mentioned that celebrations of the Paris Agreement are to be held during the meeting, so could you give us a brief introduction in this regard? Thank you.

Xie Zhenhua:

At the ministerial-level preparatory meeting, the Chinese delegation made the following points about the Marrakech Conference, which are also our general expectations.

First, we hope that the Marrakech Conference as well as future negotiations on the implementation of the Paris Agreement will consolidate and carry forward the atmosphere formed at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, namely, all parties are playing an active and constructive role in the pursuit of win-win cooperation. This is also in line with China's plans for global climate governance, which were elaborated by President Xi Jinping at Paris Conference.

Second, mutual political trust must be established. All parties should implement the pre-2020 commitments, which China has already implemented. We hope that developed countries will give the capital, technology and capacity-building support to developing countries, so that developing countries can "see and feel" the help. A request we will put forward at the Marrakech Conference is for the developed countries to at least materialize the US$100 billion-per-year pledge for developing countries by 2020, and to increase the sum after 2020. Even if developed countries cannot afford the money now, they should give a detailed timetable and road map. At this point, many developed countries have been actively working on it. British and Australian ministers said on behalf of developed countries that they are very confident of fulfilling, and even over-fulfilling the goal by 2020. Now the key problem is to make clear how much of the US$100 billion are the new and additional capital to be specifically provided for supporting developing countries in tackling climate change rather than the repeatedly calculated capitals.

Third, we need to present the differences. Although every country should tackle with climate change with concrete action, the different conditions of different countries in various phases, levels and situations of developments should be taken into consideration in line with the Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities. After the "Paris Agreement" was reached, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a new agenda in reducing the emissions. Every party signing the "Montreal Protocol" started to cut the emissions caused by hydrofluorocarbons. Within all the abovementioned endeavors, the differences between developed and developing countries are highlighted, marking a very good signal. Such a momentum should be maintained. For the Chinese government, it needs firstly to manage domestic issues well, and, secondly, to continue to play its proactive and constructive roles in pushing forward the process.

We have just been informed by the president of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that there will be a celebration for the ratification of the "Paris Agreement" during the second week of the conference. But we don't have more specific information yet, perhaps we'll know more when our delegation arrives at Marrakech, Morocco. The president has also invited some state leaders to attend the conference. But so far, to our knowledge many leaders may not be able to make appearances because of their tight schedules. Nevertheless, some state leaders will attend.

Xi Yanchun:

Thanks for the detailed information provided by Mr. Xie and thank you all for your concerns over the issues of climate change. That's the end of the press conference. Thanks.