China agrees to discuss binding emission cut after 2020.

The head of the Chinese delegation made the remarks in Durban during the ongoing 17th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC.

China Report has the story.

Xie Zhenhua, head of the Chinese delegation to the Durban climate conference said on Sunday that experts are doing research on what China can do after 2020 in emission cut.

He says China has a strong political will to bear the responsibilities that match the country's economic development and capabilities.

SOUNDBITE: XIE ZHENHUA, CHINESE DELEGATION CHIEF
"Before the formal negotiation of China's obligation after 2020, we hope there should be a comprehensive and scientific appraisal of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Only based on this, it can be fair for discussing China's legally binding of emission cut."

According to China's official statistics, China's energy consumption per capita has decreased 16.1 percent from 2005 to 2010.

It means at least 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide emission was saved.

When responding to questions of the U.S. position in the COP17 meeting, Xie says...

SOUNDBITE: XIE ZHENHUA, CHINESE DELEGATION CHIEF
"Developed countries should bear for the historical responsibilities of climate change and lead the emission cut while providing fund and technology to developing countries for better responding the climate change. On the other hand, developing countries should take action in the framework of sustainable development."

He also praises the progress made since the end of November which is focused on the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and the launch of the Green Climate Fund.

SOUNDBITE: XIE ZHENHUA, CHINESE DELEGATION CHIEF
"I would like to say that the Chinese government's position is open, positive and constructive in taking part in these negotiations we would like to unite all parties to further facilitate the negotiation process."

Also on Sunday, the Chinese delegation to the 17th Conference of Parties launched the first China pavilion in Durban.

The pavilion will showcase 23 events including forums and exhibitions featuring China's efforts and achievements in addressing the climate change.

SOUNDBITE: CHRISTIANA FIGUERES, UNFCCC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
"This is an important pavilion because it showcases what China has done, what China is doing and what China will do to address climate change in the context of building a sustainable economy."

The UN official says China's move is encouraging and indeed inspiring and that China's role in the ongoing Durban negotiations is very crucial.

SOUNDBITE: CHRISTIANA FIGUERES, UNFCCC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
"China is undoubtedly a key player on this international scene, this stage that is key to find a fair adorable way forward on climate."

She says the pavilion illustrates China's sustainability potential and ambition to deal with global warming.