The author Zou Ji is vice-dean of the Environmental School of Renmin University of China

China, a developing country, has welcomed the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility" in implementing the Kyoto Protocol, which is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The United Nations Framework on Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol both benefit and reflect China's and most developing countries' position.

But how long can this favorable situation last? It depends.

During the last decade since Kyoto Protocol was signed, great changes have taken place both at home and abroad.

China is coming under mounting international pressure to cut emissions by larger margins. Research conducted by the International Panel on Climate Change drives home the gravity of the situation caused by the deteriorating climate.

But the most significant change of all is that China has begun to act on the concept of development on a scientific basis.

The Chinese government has long emphasized the need to reduce waste discharges, upgrade its mode of economic growth, boost environmental protection and promote sustainable development.

During the Ninth Five-Year Plan (1996-2000), for instance, one of the government's top priorities was to switch the extensive-growth economic model to a resources-saving one.

In essence, the government's economic strategy today is the extension of its policy yesterday. The difference lies only in the forcefulness of its implementation and in its priority.

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Now, the government strongly emphasizes the notion to put in practice scientific development, the need to build a resource-saving society, generate a circular economy and significantly reduce pollutant discharges.

The intensity of the emphasis on clean economy has never been seen before in the country, which can be atributed to a host of profound factors.

During the 10th Five-Year Plan period (2001-05) for example, the country was confronted by strong restrictions in resources and found itself in a development phase marked by high consumption of resources and energy.

This is bound to become a huge sticking point on China's policy on climate change.

The country's basic position on the issue remains unchanged, of course. What is different is that China is now pushing for greater energy conservation and a larger reduction of pollutant discharges much more forcefully, with the interests of global climate conditions being tied directly with domestic environmental protection policies.

However, new policy goals in this regard still need to be set.

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