Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the country would actively encourage global co-operation on climate change under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility."

Wen made the statement while explaining the Communist Party of China Central Committee's Proposal for Formulating the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) on National Economic and Social Development.

According to the proposal, China is set to make reducing its energy consumption intensity and carbon dioxide emissions "binding goals" over the next five years.

The "binding goals" and other plans targeted at combating climate change are China's own initiatives and based on the country's condition, the premier said.

Climate change is a serious challenge facing human society, and it will take the entire international community to tackle the challenge, he said.

The Chinese Government announced in November 2009 that the country would reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 40 to 45 percent by 2020 from its 2005 level.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2010)