April 9, Zhao Lijian, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presided over a regular press conference. A reporter asked a question. It is reported that the 30th “Basic Four” Climate Change Ministerial Conference closed on the 8th and issued a joint statement on climate change. Could you tell me about the situation and results of the meeting?
Zhao Lijian said that the 30th “Basic Four” Climate Change Ministerial Conference was held by video from April 7 to 8. The meeting was hosted by India, the rotating chairman. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Environment of India, Brazil, South Africa and China’s Minister of Ecological Environment, and Xie Zhenhua, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. The meeting considered and adopted a joint statement, which sent a strong signal to strengthen the solidarity of developing countries and actively respond to climate change.
At the meeting, the ministers of the four countries reaffirmed that multilateralism should be adhered to promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement; stressed that international cooperation to combat climate change should adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and that countries should decide their own contribution to emission reductions; and called on developed countries to effectively implement emission reductions. Obligation to strengthen action to bridge the emission reduction gap by 2020, and fulfill financial commitments to strengthen financial, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries. Serious concern is made about discriminatory trade instruments such as carbon border adjustment measures.
Zhao Lijian said that the “Basic Four” are an important cooperation mechanism established by China, India, Brazil and South Africa in the field of climate change. They actively speak for developing countries in the negotiations and play an important and constructive role in advancing the multilateral negotiation process. In the face of the difficult tasks of fighting against the COVID-19 epidemic and promoting sustainable economic and social development, China and other developing countries have done their best to actively respond to climate change and show responsibility. It is hoped that the international community can act together to promote a fair, reasonable and win-win climate governance mechanism, so as to create a better future for future generations.
