Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Is China Really Still a Developing Country?

[China] has long sought to insulate the government from pressure to sign onto carbon dioxide curbs and emissions targets pushed by Europe and the United States. It sabotaged the 2009 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, and stalled the 2010 conference in Cancun. At least the logic has been consistent: Because China's a developing country, the leadership in Beijing argues, its responsibilities -- and capabilities -- are far less than they would be otherwise. "As a responsible major developing country, China will make an even greater effort to address climate change," said Zhang, in an address after Obama's speech, "and take on international responsibilities that are commensurate with our natural conditions."

But is China still a "developing" country?

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