Outlining a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol is a top priority for the ongoing UN climate conference in Durban, a spokesperson for the Chinese delegation said Monday.

Su Wei, deputy head of the Chinese delegation,?calls for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol in Durban, South Africa.?[By Luo Qi/China.org.cn]

The second commitment should ensure that developed country parties to the Kyoto Protocol "should undertake quantified emission reduction commitments," said Su Wei, deputy head of the Chinese delegation attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in South Africa.

The Kyoto Protocol was passed in December 1997 and came into effect in February 2005. It’s the only binding treaty in the world set for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its first commitment period will expire at the end of 2012.

Su was speaking on behalf of China, Brazil, South Africa and India, known as four "basic nations" in efforts to address climate change.

"The Kyoto Protocol is the cornerstone of the climate regime and its second commitment period is the essential priority for the success of Durban Conference,” he said. “We re-iterate that it is hardly conceivable that a country would leave the Kyoto Protocol to do more.”

Su said sustainable development and poverty eradication remain urgent challenges and overriding priorities for developing countries. Yet they have pledged ambitious actions to reduce emissions at substantial cost to their economies.

"We are open to constructively engaging with Parties that are ready to enter the second commitment period," Su said.

He also emphasized the need to address emissions from international aviation and maritime transport in a multilateral context and in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Opened on November 28, 2011, the climate talks will last 12 days. Nearly 30,000 representatives from more than 190 countries attended the conference.