President Hu attends meeting on energy security, climate change

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-09 14:15

TOYAKO, Japan -- Chinese President Hu Jintao attended the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change in the northern Japanese resort of Toyako on Wednesday.

US President George W. Bush (C) escorts Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (L) and Chinese President Hu Jintao from a photo opportunity with Major Economies' leaders at the Group of Eight (G8) Hokkaido Toyako Summit in northern Japan July 9, 2008.[Agencies]

According to Chinese diplomats, President Hu is expected to present China's stance on energy security and climate change issues during the meeting.

The recent dramatic surge in global oil prices has posed grim challenges for both oil producing and consuming countries. Seeking a balance between the energy demand and supply as well as maintaining world energy security is an urgent task for all nations.

Meanwhile, climate change has become a global concern. The "common but differentiated responsibilities" established by the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change represents international consensus on resolving the issue.

The MEM meeting started soon after the outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8), which was attended by leaders of G8 members and China, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa.

The G8 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

In addition to G8 members and the five developing nations, Australia, Indonesia and South Korea also attended the MEM meeting.

Energy security and climate change are the two major issues being discussed at the Toyako summit.