China Hopes for Meaningful Talks at Durban

China is looking forward to meaningful results from the Durban Conference, a senior Chinese official said on Nov. 8 in Beijing.

Li Yanduan, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' special representative for climate change negotiations, said China will push forward the conference to become more positive, balanced and comprehensive.

She said she especially hoped that the conference can make significant progress on getting further commitment to the Kyoto Protocol from participating countries.

However, Li also noted that the conference will face two main challenges.

The first one, she said, is that many countries now suffer from financial crises. Developed countries may give lower priority to contributing to climate change solutions and technical supports due to their high unemployment, huge debt and low growth at home.

The second one, Li said, is that certain wealthy countries may push for substantial changes to the Kyoto Protocol. She said these countries alter the framework of the Kyoto Protocol or establish a new set of principles altogether, with less definitive lines between developed and developing countries and evening out responsibilities the two sides should shoulder.