China
Climate change tops Chinese premier´s address at East Asia summit
Source: Xinhuanet | 11-22-2007 08:34
Special Report: Premier Wen visits Singapore |
Photo taken on Nov. 21, 2007 shows the meeting place of the third East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, leaders of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries, and those of Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand attend the summit.(Xinhua Photo)
SINGAPORE, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Climate change and environmental issues took center stage during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's address at a regional summit here Wednesday.
Wen, who was in Singapore attending the 3rd East Asia Summit, outlined China's views and position on climate change and its measures to tackle the problem.
The Chinese premier called climate a global issue and urged countries to work together to address the issue.
Developed countries should face up to their historical responsibilities, take the lead in cutting emissions and honor their commitment on technological transfer and financial aid to developing countries, he said.
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) attends the third East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore, Nov. 21, 2007. Leaders of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries, and those of Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand also attend the summit.(Xinhua Photo)
Wen said climate change is "ultimately a development issue" and dismissed the notions of tackling climate change at the expense of economic growth or pursuing economic growth with no regard to climate change.
"We should pursue economic growth, social development and environmental protection in a coordinated and balanced way, and develop models of production and consumption compatible with sustainable development," he said.
The "common but differentiated responsibilities" established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change represent international consensus and all countries should uphold the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol as the basic framework for international cooperation, he said.
Given the decisive role technology plays in mitigating and adapting to climate change, the international community should increase financial input and information sharing and step up cooperation in research, development and innovation of technology, he said.
