Leader says China backs climate change pact 'applicable to all contracting parties'

China firmly supports French efforts in hosting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, President Xi Jinping told his French counterpart Francois Hollande on Sunday.

Xi said this was demonstrated by his own attendance at the summit.

President Xi Jinping meets with his French counterpart Francois Hollande before a working dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Sunday. Philippe Wojazer / Reuters

Talking with the French president on Sunday after arriving in Paris, Xi said Beijing also firmly supports an international agreement being reached that is "applicable to all contracting parties".

Hopes are rising that the Paris conference will reach an agreement on an international system to deal with climate change beyond 2020.

Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said on Wednesday that this agreement will be important "in the process of a global response to climate change".

Xi said it is hoped the Paris conference will display openness and honor "the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities" to build the system to deal with climate change after 2020.

Hollande said Xi's attendance at the conference shows China's firm resolution in pressing toward reaching an agreement, adding that he is fully supportive of Xi's wishes.

As part of frequent bilateral high-level contacts, Hollande made his second state visit to China in early November when the two leaders released a joint statement on climate change.

The statement laid an important foundation for the conference, and France is ready to continue liaison and coordination with China for the success of the conference, Hollande said.

Xi also said China and France should prepare to implement major cooperation projects and agreements, and local governments in both countries should be encouraged to have more exchanges in various areas, including economic and cultural fields.

Hollande echoed Xi's calls and said France supports China's efforts in hosting the G20 Summit next year.

Xi said China will maintain close contact with France to ensure the success of the G20 gathering.

Zhai Jun, China's ambassador to France, said, "New chances for development are being nurtured as China is proactively tackling climate change."

Zhai wrote in an article in late November that the energy conservation and environmental protection sectors have contributed new highlights to China's growth.

Su Xiaohui, a researcher of international strategy at the China Institute of International Studies, said the cooperation between China and France on such a global issue has sent a positive signal to the international community.

It has also shown that the French respects China's international status and role, Su said.

Since China is the largest developing country in the world, a number of nations - not just France - are looking to China, and what it is offering is "full of sincerity", Su added.

Contact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 12/01/2015 page3)