GLOBAL CLIMATE COOPERATION

Meanwhile, the vice premier said, China will vigorously promote South-South climate cooperation, and will double its annual financial support for the establishment of the South-South Cooperation Fund on Climate Change starting next year.

"China will provide 6 million U.S. dollars to support the UN secretary general in advancing South-South cooperation on climate change," he noted.

Voicing support for the 2015 Paris Conference process, Zhang urged the international community to stick to the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, follow its principles, and "fully, effectively and continuously" implement the provisions and commitments set out in the convention.

All countries should meet their respective commitments and cement the basis of mutual trust, he suggested, stressing that developed countries need to intensify emission reduction and fulfill their commitment of annual financial support of 100 billion dollars and technology transfer to developing countries by 2020.

In addition, Zhang urged all parties to strengthen future-oriented actions and boost capabilities for addressing climate change, saying both developed and developing countries need to follow the path of green and low-carbon development and set forth post-2020 action plans that feature more forceful measures and closer cooperation.

The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" is the cornerstone of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change formed in 1992 and has been ratified by 196 parties.

It requires developed countries to cut more emissions and also offer financial and technological support to the developing countries.

Chen Ying, a research fellow at the Institute for Urban and Environmental Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Tuesday's summit will help muster political will for talks at the upcoming Lima Climate Change Conference in December, when countries are expected to discuss details of a new global climate change pact one year ahead of the crucial Paris conference.

"Facing the severe challenges of climate change, (the world) badly needs a fair and effective global climate regime," she said. "Without fairness, no regime would be able to get wide international support and would not be effectively implemented."