First China pavilion in COP launched in Durban

Head of the Chinese delegation Xie Zhenhua delivers a speech at the launching ceremony of China pavilion, Durban, South Africa, Dec 4, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

DURBAN - The Chinese delegation to the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Sunday launched the first China pavilion in COP in Durban.

Speaking at the launch officiated by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres, head of the Chinese delegation Xie Zhenhua said China is open and seeks to unite all feuding parties at the talks.

"I would like to say that the Chinese government's position is open, positive and constructive in taking part in these negotiations we would like to unit all parties to further facilitate the negotiation process," Xie Zhenhua, who is the vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, told the gathering.

The pavilion will showcase 23 events including forums and exhibitions featuring China's efforts and achievements in addressing the climate change.

"This is an important pavilion because it showcases what China has done what China is doing and what China will do to address climate change in the context of building a sustainable economy," Figueres said.

The UN official said China's move is "encouraging and indeed inspiring" and that China's role in the ongoing Durban negotiations is very crucial.

"Chins is undoubtedly a key player on this international scene, this stage that is key to find a fair adorable way forward on climate," Figueres told the audience.

"Based on China's five-year plan, China is moving decisively on delivering needed way forward that is put forward in the Cancun agreement," she added.

Figueres said the pavilion illustrates China's sustainability potential and ambition to dealing with global warming.