China: Kyoto Extension Crucial

Speaking at the UN climate talks in Durban, China's climate chief emphasized the importance of the extension of the Kyoto Protocol, pointing out that such an extension was intrinsically linked to success of the talks. Xie Zhenhua, head of the Chinese delegation to the talks, added that countries should adhere to all agreements made to ensure the success of the document's second commitment period.

Xie commented that three consensuses have been reached following years of negotiations, and that it was now incumbent on all countries to fulfill their commitments.

"Back at the Bali conference four years ago, negotiators discussed what might happen today [at these talks]. Therefore, in Bali, we established a two-track negotiation system: developed countries under the KP (Kyoto Protocol) should fulfill their obligations and non-KP developed countries should take comparable steps under the convention (UNFCCC)."

Xie added that developing countries will also have technological and financial help to adapt to climate change as well as establish voluntary carbon reductions, following the second track agreed in Bali.

Under the Copenhagen Accord and Cancun Agreements, each country established individual pre-2020 emission reduction targets, along with a guarantee that there will be no gap between the first and second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

Xie commented that the exhaustively negotiated documents contain a clear solution: To continue the two-track process so that each country can implement its plans.

However, there are divergent opinions on the issue. Some countries agree to the second period of the Kyoto Protocol, but with certain conditions; others wish to implement only the measures they view as effective while some agree to adhere to the protocol and its second commitment period.

Xie confirmed that China would adhere to the extension of the protocol, adding that it is the only legally binding document that has been agreed after two decades of negotiations, and that it includes important principles of common yet differentiated responsibilities.

"If we fail to meet the terms of the document, we have already reached consensus on, how can we possibly agree on a new one?" Xie said, spelling out China's commitment to implementing its own voluntary emission reduction target.

China's target makes provisions for 2015 and its approval by the country's People's Congress makes it legally binding.

Xie explained that, in the event that agreement can be reached at Durban, China will likely accept a post-2020 target for carbon dioxide emissions.

He stated that negotiations should achieve a legal climate framework which details common yet differentiated responsibilities, taking into account each country's individual situation and status. He concluded that discussions on China's agreement to a legally binding emission cut could be based only on such a framework.

Ministers from different countries begin arriving in Durban today to participate in the high level negotiations.

Xie confirmed that the Chinese delegation has set agendas with groups and ministers from different countries in the hope of turning political will into action.

"We hope the high level negotiations and consultations find a solution and achieve positive progress," he said.