Second, Afghanistan. I just attended, on behalf of the Chinese Government, the international conference on Afghanistan in London. Afghanistan has made headway in its peace and reconstruction endeavor, but it still faces daunting challenges, including the resurgence of terrorism, rampant drug trafficking and slow progress in reconstruction. To bring full stability to Afghanistan requires the arduous efforts of people of all sectors in that country and the entire international community. As a friendly neighbor, China hopes to see a peaceful, stable and independent Afghanistan that enjoys development and good neighborliness. We will continue to take an active part in Afghanistan's reconstruction process, and work with the rest of the international community for the early realization of stability and development there.

Third, the Iranian nuclear issue. This issue has entered a crucial stage. The parties concerned should, with the overall and long-term interests in mind, step up diplomatic efforts, stay patient, and adopt more flexible, pragmatic and proactive policies. The purpose is to seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution through dialogue and negotiations and uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East. China will make concerted efforts with the international community and play a constructive part in settling this issue.

Fourth, climate change. Climate change is a major challenge facing the world today. A review of the history of industrialization shows that over the past 200 years and more, only developed countries, with a combined population of less than 1 billion, achieved modernization, and their modernization came at a huge cost of global resources and the eco-environment. It represented an unsustainable development model. We must enhance international cooperation to counter climate change. The Copenhagen conference produced positive outcomes, but it was by no means the end of our endeavor. It only signified a new beginning. All parties should stick to the basic framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, adhere to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", build on the consensus shown in the Copenhagen Accord, and meet their respective commitments through credible actions. The Chinese Government, for its part, takes climate change very seriously, and has adopted a series of major steps in this regard. China's carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP were cut by 46 percent between 1990 and 2005. Building on that, we have committed to lowering CO2 intensity by 40-45 percent by 2020 from the 2005 level. To reduce CO2 emissions on such a large scale and over such an extended period of time will require tremendous efforts on our part. The Chinese Government will honor its word with real actions, and do its best to achieve and even exceed this target.

Mr. Chairman,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Germany is the last stop of my trip to Europe. Being in Munich, this famous historic city, I would be remiss if I did not touch upon China-Europe relations. This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Thanks to the joint efforts of the two sides, China and the EU have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that is all-dimensional, wide-ranging and multi-tiered. The major development, transformation and adjustment of the world have brought China-EU relations to a new historical starting point. China and the EU are among the most important economic and trade partners of each other. We share broad consensus on promoting multilateralism and seeking peaceful solutions to international disputes, and we need closer cooperation in addressing climate change and other global challenges. Our common interests are expanding, our shared responsibilities in international affairs are increasing, the foundation of our cooperation is getting stronger and exchanges and coordination between us are growing. All these will lend a powerful boost to China-EU relations.

The Chinese Government attaches great importance to Europe and relations with Europe have always been high on its diplomatic agenda. We are pleased to note that with the Lisbon Treaty coming into effect, EU integration process has entered a new stage. We hope to see a Europe that plays a bigger and more active role in international affairs, and we look forward to working with Europe for an even brighter future of China-EU relations.

To achieve such a brighter future, we must manage our relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, cherish and build on the progress that we have worked so hard to achieve, and see to it that the relations are not obstructed by any individual incident at any particular time. We must respect each other, treat each other as equals, and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns. It is our hope that Europe will see China in a more objective and sensible light, and recognize that China's development is not a challenge but an opportunity. We do not expect China and Europe to see eye to eye on each and every issue, and we need not be afraid of our differences. As long as we both embrace an open and inclusive spirit, we will have more consensus than differences and more mutual benefits than frictions, and cooperation will be the defining theme of China-EU relations.

Germany is an important country with considerable influence in Europe, and relations with Germany are part and parcel of China's overall relations with Europe. In recent years, China and Germany have intensified communication and consultation at various levels and stepped up practical and mutually-beneficial cooperation in response to the international financial crisis. China-Germany bilateral ties have maintained dynamic growth. Today, in the face of the complex international situation and various grave challenges, China and Germany must bear in mind the larger and long-term interests and further enhance mutual trust and cooperation. China is ready to join Germany in a common effort to elevate our partnership of global responsibility to a higher level.

Mr. Chairman,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The German literary giant Goethe once said, "Whatever man lays hold of and deals with, the individual is not enough. Society remains the highest need of any honest man." As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, we are heralding the dawn of a new era full of hope and challenges. United actions and win-win cooperation represent the call of the day and offer the only viable pathway to security and development for all. China will work in concert with other countries to advance common security and build a splendid future of prosperity and progress.

Thank you.

Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn