Energy and the environment were among the key issues discussed
between China and Germany as the two countries' leaders reaffirmed
their commitment to push forward their strategic partnership.
President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao met visiting German
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday as she started a three-day
visit.
Wen and Merkel signed an agreement on establishing two working
groups on environmental technology and energy.
This is Merkel's second visit to the country during her less
than two years in office, and the trip comes four months before
environment ministers from around the world meet in Indonesia to
try and launch talks to extend the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012.
"Environment, energy efficiency and green technology are the
focus of our cooperation," Wen told reporters at a press
briefing.
He said the government is paying close attention to climate change
and making efforts to address the issue.
Wen said China will continue to pursue the strategy of
sustainable development and take part in global discussions on a
climate change accord on the principle of "common but
differentiated responsibilities".
Wen admitted that it will be difficult to reach environmental
targets as China lacks the capabilities of rich nations to reduce
emissions.
"We have a much tougher task than Germany does," he said, adding
developed countries should continue to take the lead in making
emission reduction commitments.
However, he said, China has shown its determination by shutting up
hundreds of small-scale mines and power plants.
"We will do our best to tackle global warming and cut
pollution," he vowed.
In response to reports that Chinese hackers were responsible for
infecting German government computers, Wen said: "We are willing to
work with Germany and take firm and effective action to prevent all
hacking acts," Wen said.
The two sides also agreed to list the protection of intellectual
property rights (IPR) as an important topic in the bilateral
strategic dialogue.
"IPR protection is not just an issue between nations but also a
requirement for China's own development," Wen said, adding that the
government will intensify legal enforcement to punish
violators.
Merkel said she believes China has set up a sound legal base for
IPR protection.
Wen yesterday also emphasized the country's peaceful
development, saying China will never be a threat to others.
He also briefed Merkel on policies and measures to enhance
products quality and food safety.
"We never shun away from problems and always deal with them in a
responsible manner. But we strongly oppose trade protectionism and
prejudice against Chinese products," Wen said.
A delegation of 25 German business leaders and industry
representatives are traveling with Merkel for a Sino-German
industry forum. A commercial deal on an engine components project
between ThyssenKrupp Technologies AG and an economic and technology
zone in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, was also signed
yesterday.
Merkel will address the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences this
morning before flying to Nanjing for the opening of a three-year
program "Germany and China - Moving Ahead Together".
The program will showcase German artistic and cultural creations
in six major provincial hubs including Guangzhou and Chengdu.
(China Daily August 28, 2007)
