China open to talks on binding emission cut after 2020: Delegation head

Durban, Dec 5 (ANI): China has agreed to discuss binding emission cuts after 2020, the Chinese delegation head said at the climate change conference in Durban, South Africa.

"Before the formal negotiation of China's obligation after 2020, we hope there should be a comprehensive and scientific appraisal of the first commitment period of Kyoto Protocol. Only based on this, it can be fair for discussing China's legally binding of emission cut," Xinhua quoted Chinese delegation chief, Xie Zhenhua, as saying.

Zhenhua was speaking at the ongoing 17th Conference of Parties to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

He said experts are conducting research on "what we can do after 2020" in reducing emission, and China is willing to shoulder responsibilities taking into account its economic development.

"Developed countries should bear for the historical responsibilities of climate change and lead the emission cut while providing fund and technology to developing countries for better responding the climate change. On the other hand, developing countries should take action in the framework of sustainable development," Zhenhua said.

"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," he added.

According to Chinese official data, the country's per capita energy consumption has decreased by 16.1 percent between 2005 and 2010. (ANI)