The Chinese View

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang gave a little talk yesterday on his government's view of the climate change issue. You can find it in the midst of this longer transcript but here was what I think is the key part:

Ladies and gentlemen, as the impact of climate change is global in nature and concerns the interests of all countries, this issue can only be addressed through extensive international cooperation. Developed countries should face up to their historical responsibility and the reality of their high per capita emissions. They should follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which is embodied in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol and take the lead in emission reduction.

They should help developing countries improve their capacity to tackle climate change and take the path of sustainable development by providing financial assistance, transferring technologies, and assisting them in capacity building and adopting to climate change.

I think that's about what I'd say if I were China's foreign minister.