China Voice

China vows voluntary, non-binding carbon cuts

By Li Xing and Li Jing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-12-08 11:02

CANCUN, Mexico - China has made it clear that the autonomous nature of the national mitigation actions of developing countries, including China, will not be changed.

"This national voluntary pledge is autonomous; it is not negotiable; (it is) not imposed by the outside," Liu Zhenmin, first deputy head of Chinese delegation to the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, in his first meeting with the media.

Liu made the remarks in response to media's request to clarify some confusion after Reuters reported that "China is willing to make its voluntary carbon emissions target part of a binding UN resolution."

There could be "some misinterpretation", said Liu.

China is a developing country; and it is not subjected to internationally-binding frame under the current negotiations. "That's the distinction between the developed and developing countries," he said, as it follows the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities".

Despite the voluntary nature of China's independent mitigation actions, "We shall honor our pledges. The pledges are incorporated in our national plan for social development and approved by the National People's Congress," he said.

"They will be implemented as part of our contribution to the global efforts in addressing climate change," he added.