A group of key emerging economies, such as China and India, have come together to exert pressure on developed nations at the upcoming climate change talks in Copenhagen. Following two days of discussions in Beijing, these countries have reached a consensus on important issues, including the necessity for the West to provide financial assistance and technology to aid developing nations in addressing global warming. The meeting involved high-ranking officials from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Sudan, the current leader of the Group of 77 developing countries. China, India, and Brazil are among the top greenhouse gas emitters globally, primarily due to deforestation, and have committed to reducing their carbon emissions. According to a statement released after the talks, steps taken by wealthy nations to combat climate change are not deemed sufficient. The purpose of the meeting in Copenhagen was to lay the groundwork for a positive, ambitious, and fair outcome. The negotiations were meant to lead to a stronger and more comprehensive climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. However, the discussions that began in Bali two years ago have not been successful in narrowing the gap between rich and poor countries on emission reduction efforts, measurement and reporting methods, and financial responsibilities. Denmark and several wealthy nations are supporting a plan to reach a comprehensive political agreement at Copenhagen and finalize the legally binding details in 2010. However, some developing countries are pushing for a more robust outcome. Developing nations are also concerned about attempts to replace the Kyoto Protocol with a new agreement or selectively incorporating its provisions into another agreement. The European Union has criticized the Kyoto Protocol for failing to reduce emissions from wealthy nations and has called for a new agreement. The Beijing statement emphasized the importance of keeping the Kyoto Protocol in place, with wealthy countries taking responsibility for reducing emissions in line with the protocol's second commitment period starting in 2013. Developing nations have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in exchange for assistance from developed countries. The negotiation strategy, personally outlined by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, was discussed by participants including Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. Beijing's top climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, will present the strategy in Copenhagen. The statement from Beijing seems to reject Denmark's proposal for a political agreement in Copenhagen, according to the global conservation group WWF. WWF's leader, Kim Carstensen, expressed that it is not surprising that emerging economies are challenging developed nations in this way. The Danish proposal is very weak, to be honest, and it is clear that the governments of developing countries are not foolish.