China calls for help on climate change

Hu called on developed countries to step up efforts on emission reduction, and provide financial and technical support for developing countries.

China will participate in next month's Group of Eight meeting in Hokkaido, Japan, where climate change is top on the agenda. Countries are trying to set new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will take effect after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

Although China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, on a per person basis it produces far less than many developed countries. Chinese negotiators also point out that the country is only just catching up after two centuries of industrialization in the West.

But Chinese policy makers are increasingly worried about the impact on China of global warming, which could dry up rivers that water the arid north and intensify flooding in the south. China also suffers from intensely polluted water and air.

"How we cope with climate change is related to the country's economic development and people's practical benefits. It's in line with the country's basic interests," Hu told a study session on climate change. The meeting was held on Friday by the political bureau of the central committee of China's ruling communist party.

"Our task is tough, and our time is limited. Party organizations and governments at all levels must give priority to emission reduction ... and drive the idea deep into people's hearts."