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China applauded for determination in climate talks

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-05 11:30

TIANJIN - The United Nations' chief climate change negotiator applauded China on Monday for its efforts in dealing with the challenge of climate change, saying she was impressed by the determination of the Chinese people and their government.

Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), made the remarks in China's northern city of Tianjin at a welcoming reception held by the Chinese government.

A new round of UN climate talks is being held in the port city on October 4-9 in preparation for the year-end Cancun summit in Mexico.

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"Here in Tianjin, I have seen much evidence of determination," said Figueres.

"(I saw the) determination of the government of China to reduce their CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by up to 45 percent by 2020, (and the) determination of the people of China to turn China into the world's leader in renewable energy technology and to find a visionary balance among economic development, poverty eradication and climate protection."

Figueres also praised the host city, saying, "(I saw the) determination of the government of Tianjin, China's fourth-largest city, to be a model city for the circular economy, a pilot city for low-carbon growth and an exemplary city for sustainable development."

"A striking example is the Tianjin Eco-City project between Singapore and China and with significant private sector investment, which will provide eco-friendly housing for some 350,000 people," she added.

More than 3,000 delegates from 177 parties and observer states and over 200 non-governmental organizations are attending the Tianjin gathering, the final one  prior to the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Cancun at the end of this year.

Figueres concluded her speech at the reception with a Chinese proverb, "Zhong Zhi Cheng Cheng," which means "With everyone's determination, we can do anything." She also urged all the participants to make concerted efforts to reach a consensus during the climate talks.