China paying close attention to US decision to quit Paris climate

BEIJING - China on Friday said it is paying close attention to the United States' decision to quit the Paris climate agreement, calling on all parties to cherish and safeguard the hard-earned accord.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing that the deal embodies the broadest consensus of the international community on coping with climate change.

Hua said that China will remain committed to upholding and promoting global governance on climate change and take an active part in the multilateral process.

"China will work with all relevant parties to enhance cooperation, press ahead with the negotiation and implementation of enforcement rules, and promote green, low-carbon and sustainable global growth," she said.

Hua also said China would like to work with the international community, including the United States, to expand cooperation in handling climate change.

Moreover, she said that China is willing to strengthen effective communication and practical cooperation with the EU to safeguard and advance the process of multilateral governance on climate change.

Hua said developed countries should be obligated to provide funding through the Green Climate Fund to developing countries in dealing with climate change, within the framework of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris climate agreement.

Hua said that developing countries, particularly the least developed and small island countries, have insufficient capacity to deal with climate change, and need support and help from the international community.

She said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the climate change issue and is committed to pursuing innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development. Moreover, China has taken concrete moves to positively deal with climate change and made obvious progress, demonstrating the international responsibility shouldered by China and conforming with China's choice of sustainable growth.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global pact to fight climate change.