CHINA'S CLIMATE EFFORT

China has been working "actively and seriously" to tackle climate change and build capacity to respond to it, Xi said.

The country's move to speed up transformation of economic growth pattern and adjustment of economic structure is a positive contribution to Asia's and the global fight against climate change, he said.

"We have joined global actions to tackle climate change with the utmost resolve and a most active attitude, and have acted in line with the United Nations' principle of common but differentiated responsibilities," he said.

China had eliminated a huge amount of outdated production capacities in heavily polluting and energy-gorging industries, including coal-fired power plants, steel mills, and cement, chemical and paper-making firms, Xi said.

The country has targeted at slashing carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by up to 45 percent from the 2005 level and raising the proportion of non-fossil energy in total primary energy consumption to 15 percent.

The measures to lower energy consumption alone will help save 620 million tonnes of standard coal in the next five years, which will be equivalent to the reduction of 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, Xi said.

"We should give full play to the role of regional and sub-regional dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in Asia to promote harmonious and sustainable development of Asia and the world at large," he said.

"Every country has a stake in dealing with climate change and every country has a responsibility for the safety of our planet," Xi said.