国内英语新闻:China played important role in Paris climate talks: official

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China played an important role in the success of the Paris climate conference, and the meeting has provided a reference for China's participation in global governance, a senior official said Friday.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin made the comments days after nearly 200 countries adopted an agreement in Paris, which aims to limit the global average rise in temperature to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and preferably less than 1.5 degrees.

The agreement also sets a target of 100 billion U.S. dollars a year in financing support from developed countries for developing countries starting in 2020, aiming to end decades of rows between developed and developing nations over how to limit the effects of climate change.

"China has been engaged in climate change negotiations in a responsible and constructive manner, keeping in touch with both developed and developing nations," Liu said.

China has maintained close consultations with the United States and the European Union and played a leading role in safeguarding the interests of and solidarity among developing countries, Liu said.

President Xi Jinping's speech at the opening ceremony of the Paris climate talks guided the climate change agreement negotiations, he said, citing Xi's call for more global efforts, resources and accommodation for diverse national conditions in tackling climate change.

"The Paris meeting was an important diplomatic arena for China to constructively engage in global governance and it serves as a reference for us to participate more actively in global governance in other areas," Liu said.

As the second largest economy and a major greenhouse gas emitter, China's role in tackling climate change has attracted the world's attention.

"China has indeed stood at the center of the world in terms of climate change," Liu said.

China aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. It has pledged a 20-billion-yuan (3-billion-U.S. dollars) fund to help other developing countries combat climate change.