Global warming discussed on Apec sidelines
President Hu Jintao delivered an assertive message on climate change and Taiwan to US President George W. Bush yesterday during what he described as a 'sincere and cordial' meeting on the sidelines of the Apec forum summit in Sydney.
Beijing supported moves to tackle climate change - high on the agenda of the summit of the regional leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum.
But it insisted the issue be handled under a global framework which took into account the needs of both developed and developing countries, Mr Hu told Mr Bush. 'We believe that the issue of climate change bears on the welfare of the whole of humanity and sustainable development of the whole world,' Mr Hu said after their meeting. 'And this issue should be appropriately tackled through stronger international co-operation.'
Earlier, Mr Hu said the main channel for international agreement on climate change should be the United Nations.
Analysts said his talks with Mr Bush reflected Beijing's rising political and economic clout in the region, as well as its growing confidence in handling contentious issues on the world stage.
Summit host Australia, backed by the US, is trying to push a 'Sydney Declaration' at the summit, which could replace the Kyoto Protocol after it expires in 2012. It involves greenhouse gas reduction targets for all Apec members. Mr Bush has insisted on the importance of getting China, one of the world's biggest contributors to global warming, along with the US and Australia, 'at the table' for any international effort to control global warming.