China insists on Kyoto Protocol

As the UN climate conference in Spain continues, China has held talks and negotiations with other participants. Su Wei, head of the Chinese delegation says the Kyoto Protocol must be followed, since it clearly states the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Su Wei laid out China's position on fighting climate change: the framework of sustainable development, the principal of common but differentiated responsibilities, and parallel negotiation of the convention and protocol. He called for developed countries to lead the way with a measurable emission cut. He said developing countries should take due measures with financial and technical support from developed countries.

Su Wei says that's why China and other developing countries say no to proposals for discarding the Kyoto Protocol.

Su said, "The Kyoto Protocol is a long-term legal document. It won't expire until 2012. We thought the protocol is an important document in helping realize the aim of the convention and clarifying the emission cut responsibility of developed countries."

This is what's behind China's stance. The main cause of climate change nowadays is greenhouse gas emissions by developed countries during their industrialization process. This means developed countries should shoulder more responsibilities in emission cuts, and offer financial and technical support for developing countries. And developing countries have their own responsibilities.