Delegation from

People’s Republic of China

Position Paper for the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

The topics under discussion for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC are: Development and Transfer
of Technologies to Support the Implementation of the Paris Agreement, and Adapting to Sea-level Rise in Low-
lying Areas and Small Islands. China, as a member of the P-5,, expresses its determination and commitment to
eradicate climate change by using technology transfer in support of the Paris Agreement and adopting win-win
strategies for the world to adapt to sea-level rise. China was the first nation to demonstrate interest in the Paris
Agreement and intends to encourage and lead Member and Non-member States towards combating climate change.

I. Development and Transfer of Technologies to Support the Implementation of the Paris

Agreement

The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016. Still, the world continues to experience an increasing
number of tragedies related to the environment stemming from a lack of commitment from nearly all 197 parties of
the agreement. The development and transfer of technologies is part of the solution to reducing the effects of climate
change and alleviating such concerns. China reaffirms A/RES/71/25, from the General Assembly, which commits to
assisting developing countries (financially) to ensure they are able to keep up with Paris Agreement targets
including implementation of technologies. Among the three states who have triggered ill-effects from climate
change are China, Russia, and the United States. For this, it is China’s solemn duty to play an active role in the
assistance and implementation of technology transfer while also guiding other countries through the process of
working towards implementing their national plans. Among the top states affected by climate change are
Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Honduras – all developing countries. Article 9 (1) of the Paris Agreement condones
financial assistance from developed countries to developing countries to help them meet their obligations under this
agreement. China is up to par with this obligation and intends to assist states in need to begin making the changes in
their national plans. One of China’s goals in the 13th Five-Year Plan is to launch new cooperative fund programs. A
common predicament which has contributed to escalation of global warming and pollution is the use of fossil fuels,
deforestation, and the need for solidarity. In the 12th Five-Year Plan period agenda (2011-2015), China achieved a
20% carbon intensity fall, surpassing the country goal of 17%. In the latest five-year period, China has already
augmented its energy industry where the use of non-fossil fuel has increased by 12%. Those are just a few of
China’s achievements. Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, China intends to
build new forms of international relations using a win-win international cooperative outlook, as stated by President
Xi Jinping. The agenda offers 9 key areas that should be focused on for optimal achievement including the
implementation of innovation-driven and technology-driven development strategies and generating momentum for
sustainability, health, and stable economic growth. China has already cooperated with and assisted others to
implement the use of technology to promote the use of non-fossil fueled powers, such as Nigeria whose 10,000-
megawatt hydropower plant is not yet working to its full potential. China aims to fund approximately 85 percent of
the cost to finish the construction of the plant. Working side-by-side with the Technology Executive Committee
(TEC), Climate Technology Center and Network (CTCN), and Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) – developed
to support China’s efforts – reflecting the realities reported the IPCC, China is confident that countries can unite
during these difficult times to eliminate the rising challenge against our planet. With such programs, which provide
all necessary information to take action and discover new possibilities in technology, all nations will be able to
develop and use technology transfer to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement through the economic
and moral support of developed countries. China acknowledges that many nations contribute to multiple causes
around the world. China recommends that a percentage of dues already paid to the UN made its way into a
technology transfer and climate change fund. The UN has established multiple organizations to meet SDGs and
related goals, including the Technology Bank in Turkey and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). However, the success
of these organizations relies on grants, concessional loans, subordinated debt, equity, and voluntary funding. GCF,
for example, seeks to use public investments to formulate private finance where developed countries contribute one-
hundred billion USD per annum. There would undoubtedly lead to more progress towards the Paris Agreement
targets if Member States were not required to fund additional organizations, but rather have a portion of their annual
UN Charter fees invested towards the agreement, beginning with a two-year test run. China, along with all other P-5
Members, would request annual reports from the UN Panel of Auditors to ensure the funds are being used
accordingly. China reminds all Members that climate change is no longer an issue that can be pushed off to address
later. Effects are being seen today. It is part of the UN Members’ duty to take all necessary measures to promote
safety and progressive futures for all generations. As Vice-Premier of the State Council Zhang titled his speech, we
must “Promote Implementation of the Paris Agreement to Establish a Beautiful Homeland for Humankind”.

II. Adapting to Sea Level Rise in Low-lying Areas and Small Islands

Sea-level rise is a harsh reality presented to all Member States long ago. Like the Kyoto Protocol that treated the
effects of climate change as long-term concerns, sea-level rise was thought to be of little importance today and a
problem to address sometime in the future. Small islands and low-lying areas are among the most vulnerable to such
events prompted by the effects of climate change. Sea-level rise poses a threat for the inundation of nearby cities and
to human health, sanitation, food security, natural disaster relief, and loss of biological species, as well. China
reminds Members that Agenda 21 defines these small islands and low-lying areas as fragile and vulnerable
ecosystems in need of attention from Member states and global citizens. The agenda proposes a long-term
cooperative research commitment to provide data required to reduce fears of potential disasters from sea-level rise.
This notion meets with the Paris Agreement calls for the development and transfer of technologies. The
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation also encourages the use of technology transfer to small island developing
states (SIDs). Among the most affected nations are China, Japan, and Vietnam. China implemented Agenda 21 and
intends to reinforce the goals set within it. China acknowledges that Agenda 21, established between 1992 and 1993,
has not made much progress due to developing nations striving for a rising economy and lack of awareness. The
problem will begin to dissolve when an awareness that industrialization, deforestation, and mining are the leading
causes of climate change, hence sea-level rise. SDG goals 13, 14, and 17 specify the needs which must be met to
tackle complications due to sea-level rise. China is in line with these and other SDGs, which aim to amplify the
need for urgent action by strengthening resilience. In 1994, the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) was
adopted, which sought to improve preparedness and recovery from natural and environmental disasters, prevent
shortages and pollution of freshwater, protecting coastal ecosystems and coral reefs from pollution and overfishing,
treat solar and renewable energy as a means of replacing oil, and manage sustainable tourism. Despite its call for
help and effort on behalf of all members, BPoA did not succeed. Nations failed to recognize the significance of such
plans as the effects were long-term. Refusal to advocate and fund the programme led to a revision 5 years later and
again 10 years after that. In 2005, Member States recommitted to ensure these plans were taken seriously. In
accordance with A/RES/44/206 (1989) of the GA, nations are to recognize the “possible adverse effects of sea-level
rise on islands and coastal areas. China affirms A/RES/44/206 (2009), which recognizes that climate change
threatens security and should be tended to before the issue worsens. A/RES/70/235 (2015) notes the significance of
capacity-building, technology transfer, and financial aid for SIDs and African coastal areas. China recognizes this
resolution’s clear intent to build a team to mitigate climate change effects and sea-level rise. China has also signed
the documented agreement for SAMOA (A/RES/69/15) which aims to further develop Agenda 21, helping SIDs
respond to sea-level rise and its implications. Considering all facts, China further recommends all nations to
consider the following actions: a) deliberate implementing stronger agreements and resolutions to avoid further
complications with sea-level rise and overall climate change, b) reduce use of fisheries and marine wildlife and c)
support the use of natural barriers and enforce less creation of man-made barriers to reduce effects of sea-level rise
on land, and c) decrease fishing levels to minimize threats to sea-level rise, which will also allow the
implementations of resolution b. Oysters, for example, create a reliable barrier to sea-level rise while also stabilizing
the ocean’s biodiversity. In line with China’s Marine Sector Policy (IV), China urges all Member States to work
with us in implementing stronger fishing policies that will allow all nations to follow through with these
recommendations. China strongly encourages all nations to follow its lead in a new world where humanity can feel
safe and look forward to a more promising future.