China strives to meet emission reduction target

A Chinese official said Thursday that the country will strive to fulfill its emission reduction targets for 2020.

"China will make unswerving efforts to realize its emission reduction target, no matter how international climate change negotiations develop," said Sun Cuihua, vice director of the climate change department of the National Development and Reform Commission.

China has pledged to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced per unit of GDP by 40 to 45 percent by the end of 2020.

According to Sun, the country will use an array of tactics to meet the target, including pushing forward emission trading systems, using market mechanisms to cut carbon emissions and promoting international cooperation in combating climate change.

Sun made the remarks during an international conference currently being held in Beijing.

The conference is focused on addressing climate change and developing low-carbon economies.

Sun said the Chinese government will fortify its policy of addressing climate change through legislation.

"The country is now conducting comprehensive research on legislation concerning climate change," she said.

She also noted that China will gradually expand its emission trading programs and set up a nationwide trading platform.

China now has nine emission trading bourses in several major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.