The leaders of China and the European Union have agreed to work more closely on a climate change deal in Copenhagen, praising each other's contribution to the fight against global warning.

 

In a joint statement after a high-level summit over the weekend, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt of Sweden and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso said that climate change was one of the 'most important global challenges of our time'.

 

They said that the two sides would 'work together with other parties for a comprehensive, fair and ambitious outcome at the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2009 in Copenhagen, in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities'.

 

They urged the Copenhagen summit to agree 'substantially scaled up financial support by developed countries and arrangements to promote technology dissemination in and transfer to developing countries'.

 

China reiterated its decision to set quantified national targets to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 40-50% by 2020, as well as other numerical targets and policy measures as a contribution to address climate change.

 

'The target we have now set will help China to continue to develop in a way that is sustainable, and to contribute to the fight against climate change. With globalisation, the countries of the world have become increasingly interdependent. Therefore, no country can be the sole winner,' said Mr Wen.

 

Speaking at the press conference after the meeting Mr Reinfeldt said: 'Meeting the threat of climate change is a challenge for the whole of mankind. Chinese leadership is necessary on these issues. The EU is ready to do its part, but we cannot solve the threat of climate change unless China takes its responsibility.'

 

Wen, Barroso and Reinfeldt signed five bilateral agreements covering technological cooperation; near-zero emission coal utilisation; energy efficiency and construction standards; the sustainable development of China's trade and investment; and environmental management.

 

Related links

Full text: Joint Statement of the 12th EU-China Summit, People's Daily Online 30 November 2009

China gets on the climate train to Copenhagen, Swedish Presidency of the European Union 30 November 2009