The prime minister of Denmark stated that China is dedicated to achieving a climate change agreement at important talks next year. He emphasized the importance of not using the global economic crisis as an excuse to postpone a deal. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, along with other European leaders, is currently in Beijing for an Asia-Europe meeting. As Copenhagen is set to host final negotiations on a new climate change pact, Rasmussen has been focusing on building a relationship with China, a major producer of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas causing global warming. Rasmussen reported that he had discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and received assurance that China is committed to reaching an agreement in Copenhagen. The negotiations, set to conclude late next year, are aimed at developing a treaty based on the current Kyoto Protocol climate agreement, which expires in 2012. Denmark's role as host has given it a unique position in facilitating agreement. Despite global focus on the financial crisis and various disagreements between wealthy and developing nations on how to address climate change, Danish PM Rasmussen sees China's commitment as a positive signal. He urges other countries not to postpone a new agreement due to the economic downturn, suggesting that investing in green technology could actually help stimulate economic recovery. Rasmussen warns against using the financial crisis as an excuse to weaken efforts to tackle climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the importance of staying focused on addressing climate change, urging China to also participate in the fight. He acknowledged that there may be costs associated with reducing emissions, but highlighted that the consequences of climate change would be even more costly, particularly for China. Barroso stressed the need for continued efforts to combat climate change, despite the financial crisis. Currently, under the Kyoto pact, China and other developing nations are not required to set limits on their greenhouse gas emissions. China's rapidly increasing emissions, which are believed to surpass those of the United States, have prompted other countries to urge China to accept stricter limits. EU environment ministers suggested that developing countries should aim to reduce emissions by 15 to 30 percent compared to current levels. The EU proposal, which does not impose a specific cap on emissions but requires measurable actions, could encourage China and other developing nations to make commitments. According to Rasmussen, it is essential for industrialized countries to take action, but engagement from major emerging economies is also necessary. During the ASEM opening on Friday, discussions on climate change policy will take place between the 27 EU member states, the European Commission, Japan, China, India, and 13 other Asian countries. Rasmussen expressed his hope that the meeting will result in an agreement to strive for a pact in Copenhagen.