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Speech at the Baltic Sea State Sub-regional Cooperation Conference By H.E. Mr. Xie Hangsheng Oct 14th, 2009 Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon. Thanks for the invitation. My speech today will mainly focus on four aspects: China’s views towards climate change, China’s efforts and achievements, China’s position to COP15 and its future undertakings. China regards climate change as one of the most serious challenges in the 21 st century, which not only has a profound impact on the development of global economy, but also the very existence of mankind. To address climate issues is an urgent and long-term task for all of us, and needs be viewed through following perspectives: First, climate change is a result of accumulative emission over many years. Developed countries as the major contributor to the global warming, also as the one enjoys the advantage position in terms of funds and technologies, really should live up to its leading role and relevant obligations. They have to demonstrate the political courage, and take concrete measures in reducing Greenhouse Gases(GHG), in addition to enhance support of funds and technology to developing countries, so as to improve the overall capacity of international community in dealing with climate change. Second, climate change is an environmental issue, and more importantly, a development issue. It is closely connected with the development stage, way of life, size of population and resource endowment. For developing countries, they have limited capability and means to deal with climate change, while at the same time, they are the most vulnerable ones to its adverse impact. Therefore, it is important for us to fully recognize their legitimate priority needs for development, and combine our efforts to address climate change with promoting the growth of developing countries. 1 Third, the final solution to climate change lies much in the technology. It is glad to note that at the Future Climate Conference of Engineering Solutions held this September in Copenhagen, a message was clearly heard, which excludes any major obstacles in addressing climate change in terms of technical capabilities. Hence, more attention needs to be paid on how to distribute the current technical resources and enhance the capacity building to the largest extent. While continuously driving for technology innovation, there is much room for improvement in the field of technology transfer, which is the most efficient and practical way to extend the employment of the existing low-carbon technologies. Fourth, climate change is a common threat that calls for joints efforts, and a complex issue that requires comprehensive measures. It is our aim to run a mass campaign and set up an interactive mechanism featured with government guidance, enterprise participation and market operation, together with high-level of public awareness. Only with cooperation between the developed and developing countries, as well as the participation of the whole society, could we head towards the final success. Conference like today certainly will play a constructive role to this aim. Ladies and gentlemen, Many concerns over the climate change have been expressed, and many promises have been made. But most importantly, concrete actions need to be taken. As a responsible big developing country, China fully recognizes the significance and urgency of addressing climate change, and has made series of efforts, within its capacity and at its own initiatives. As early as in 1995, China has determined to transform its economic pattern to a new one featured with technology innovation, less consumption and low cost. Entering the 21st century, China adopts a long-term policy to achieve a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable way of development. In 2007, a national leading group, headed by Chinese Premier, was set up and a National Climate Change Program was launched, the first ever among developing countries. Last year in October, a white paper entitled China's Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change was published. This August, a draft resolution on climate change was approved by China’s top legislature. China's efforts in energy saving and emission reduction have yielded fruits. Between 2006 and 2008, China has shut down inefficient thermal power plants with a total capacity of 34.21GW, and closed 6028 small coal mines. In 2007 alone, the renewable energy consumed in the same year contributes to an emission reduction of 500 million tons of CO2. From 2000 to 2008, China saw its installed capacity of wind power increasing from 340 MW to 12 GW, ranking 4th in the world; the capacity of 2 hydropower from 79.35 GW to 172 GW, the 1st in the world. The following comparison is rather convincing. Within 30 years of reform and opening up, China’s GDP has hit an annual growth of 9.8%, while its GDP energy consumption per unit has decreased by 4% per year. Even during the time of global economic crisis, the Chinese government still showed its firm resolution in addressing the climate issue. Among its 4-trillion-yuan financial stimulus package, 350 billion yuan was donated into environmental and climate related industries. Moreover, China always maintains a positive and constructive attitude in international cooperation and actively participates in international negotiations. Many of its proposals are applauded by a vast number of countries. Being a developing country with a per-capita GDP of around $3000, and 15 million people still living in absolute poverty, China has distinguished itself with all its endeavors and great achievements. It is fair to say that China today is a determined supporter, a positive contributor and an active player in the climate campaign. Ladies and gentlemen, Climate change recognizes no borders, and international cooperation transcends boundaries. As the COP15 is drawing near, I sincerely hope joint efforts will be made in the following aspects: First, we should take enough confidence towards COP15. I have noted that the concrete United Nations climate talks seemed rather tough in the process. However, it is against this backdrop that we should show more support and confidence towards outlook of COP15. The recent global economic crisis should not be an obstacle indeed. China, together with many other countries, considers it as an opportunity to further emphasize the importance of addressing Climate issue, which provides a chance to develop low-carbon economy, a chance to adjust industry structure, and a chance to open up new market, attract investment and create new employment opportunities. Second, we should stick up to the existing framework and enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, faithfully abiding by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. The UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol are the documents reflecting global consensus, providing a basic legal framework for addressing climate change, and serving the foundation for international climate negotiation. Adherence to this principle is critical to keeping international cooperation on climate change on the right track. Any attempt to challenge the current framework would only be viewed as a step backward. 3 Third, we should take the overriding task of fulfilling respective responsibilities. China has stated clear its propositions for COP15 in its position paper issued this May. Given the historical responsibility and development level, developed countries shall reduce their GHG emissions in aggregate by at least 40% below their 1990 levels by 2020, and honestly fulfill the obligation in assistance to the developing countries in capacity building. Developing countries, in the light of their national conditions and with the financial and technological support of developed countries, need to take appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions at a national level and exert more positives influence on the global agenda. Fourth, we should work hard to achieve a win-win outcome. Dialogue based on equality, and cooperation featured in mutual benefits, will serve the best, and perhaps the only feasible option to address contradictions and confrontations in the process of negotiation. Developed countries should take full consideration of the multiple pressures facing the developing countries, such as eliminating poverty and mitigating the emissions of GHG, and render as much support as possible. Without common development, particularly the development of developing countries, there cannot be a broad and solid basis in the long run. A win-win outcome serves both the interests of individual countries and the common interests of humanity. Ladies and gentlemen, Looking forward to the future, China will continue to take determined and practical steps to tackle climate change. Concrete goals have been brought forward, not as a result of outside pressure, but out of its innate pursuit of a sustainable development, and out of a sense of responsibility to its own people and people across the world. In the 11th Five-year Plan, China has undertaken to do its utmost to achieve the goal that, from 2005 to 2010, its energy consumption per unit GDP to be reduced by about 20%, and main pollutants emissions to drop by 10%. The proportion of renewable energies in primary energy resources shall rise from 7.5% to 10%. This September, our president Hu Jintao in his speech delivered at the UN Climate Summit, further portraits a blueprint to the year of 2020. China will then intensify its effort to conserve energy and improve energy efficiency, and raise the share of non-fossil fuels to around 15%. The forest coverage shall increase by 40 million hectares and forest stock volume by 1.3 billion cubic meters from the 2005 levels. China will endeavor to develop green economy, low-carbon economy and circular economy, and enhance research, development and dissemination of climate-friendly technologies. 4 I know the Baltic region also faces the common threat of climate change and takes pioneering position in addressing the issue. I am further glad to note that most of the Baltic countries have been equipped with the world-leading technologies in fields like energy saving and emission reduction, as well as clean energy etc. Given China’s strong signals and ambitious targets proposed, one can easily find the great potential of cooperation between China and the Baltic nations, with the same aim of achieving sustainable development. It is estimated by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and PricewaterhouseCoopers in China, that the future market of China’s green economy will amount to 1 trillion US dollars per year. Baltic countries like Denmark that has advanced technology and sufficient funds, have already been or certainly will become important partners in exploring this promising industry and enlarging their shares of the market. China stands ready to join hands with all Baltic and other countries to build an even better future for the generations to come. Thank you. 5