The noxious politics of climate change

• Source: Global Times
• [00:48 December 21 2009]
• Comments

Although China is willing to accept more responsibility, its role is defined by its national conditions as a developing country.

For long seen as a spokesperson of the developing countries, China's challenge in this role is how to meet the diverse interests and expectations of this increasingly differentiated group.

At the Copenhagen conference, China has played its due part to protect smaller developing countries, holding together the "common but differentiated responsiblities."

Building consensus amid difference can best protect the interest of developing countries that, at the same time, need to achieve more cooperation and coordination.

Though at uneven stages of development, correcting global political imbalances and striving for a better environment are shared goals of the developing countries. These call for a unified approach to acceptance of responsibility.

Sticking together with developing countries is in line with China's long-term diplomatic strategy. For this to be more effective on the global stage, China needs better communication and coordination with developing peers.

To convince and steer these long-time friends in the desired direction requires patience, planning and sophistication.

These are the long-term challenges for China's diplomacy in accordance with its goal as a responsible big country in the international community.