China is to incorporate its strategy to combat climate change in the National Economic and Social Plan, the State Council, China's cabinet, said Wednesday in an executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The cabinet also said that governments at all levels should aim to control greenhouse gas emissions when creating mid- and long-term development plans.

At the meeting, the cabinet passed a draft regulation on the environmental evaluation of new projects, in hopes of preventing pollution and ecological destruction from the very beginning.

The meeting stressed the importance of tackling climate change and China's willingness to cooperate with the rest of the world on the issue.

The Chinese government reiterated that it will stick to the basic framework of the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," as established by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

The cabinet also laid out following key tasks for the future in order to cope with climate change:

First is to achieve the goals of reducing energy consumption, developing renewable energy and increasing forest coverage, as set forth in the 2006-2010 Plan.

The second priority goes to developing a green economy by cultivating new economic growth with low-carbon emissions and speeding up the construction of low-carbon industrial architecture and transportation systems.

Thirdly, it calls for energy-saving and environment-friendly modes of production, living and consumption.

The central government is also determined to improving the legal system of coping with climate change. In addition, it said that it will strengthen international dialogue and communication on policies regarding climate change and speed up the introduction of overseas funds, technology and talents.

(China.org.cn by Yan Pei, August 13, 2009)