China on Monday expressed "regret" for New Zealand's decision to drop out of the Kyoto Protocol, urging all developed countries to shoulder their due obligations in combating climate change.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question on New Zealand's recent decision.

Tim Groser, New Zealand's climate minister, told media that his country would not take part in the second phase of the 1997 treaty because "it's an outdated and insufficient response to global warming."

The Kyoto Protocol set 2008 to 2012 as the first commitment period under which developed nations must cut emissions of global warming gases by setting goals. Countries participating in the ongoing Doha climate talks aim to decide the length of the second commitment period and finalize the goals of each country.

Hong said New Zealand's decision, which goes against the efforts of the international community, "is regrettable."

China hopes all developed countries, including New Zealand, could fully shoulder their due obligations, continue to fulfill their commitment to cutting emissions and participate in international cooperation on climate change with a positive and constructive attitude, Hong added.

(Xinhua News Agency December 3, 2012)