China denies rejection by 'ambition coalition' at climate change conference

BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied on Friday that China was rejected by an "ambition coalition" at the ongoing Paris climate change conference.

"China always plays a constructive role in fighting against global climate change and has close communication with parties concerned," spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to some reports that more than 90 countries have joined a coalition at the climate change conference, calling themselves the "high ambition coalition".

The United States said Wednesday it had united with the European Union and 79 developing countries to jointly push for an ambitious accord in Paris to curb global warming. The decision, announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry, came a day after the European Union said it had joined the African, Caribbean and Pacific nations most vulnerable to climate disasters to make a far-reaching deal.

China firmly supports reaching ambitious, comprehensive, balanced and practical agreements at the Paris conference, Hua said.

At the opening ceremony of the two-week Paris gathering, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent strong signals, warning against a zero-sum game mentality and showing willingness to advance international cooperation.

When dealing with global climate change, we are all ambitious partners, there is no possibility of one rejecting another, Hua said.

The Paris climate conference was extended one day to last until Saturday. Hua said China called on all parties concerned to have practical and cooperative spirit to promote reaching agreements.