The Prime Minister of Denmark stated that China is determined to achieve a climate change agreement at upcoming key talks, despite the global economic crisis. He emphasized the importance of not using economic issues as an excuse to delay the deal. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who is currently in Beijing for an Asia-Europe meeting, has been actively engaging with China, a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, in preparation for the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen next year. Following discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Rasmussen announced that China is committed to reaching an agreement during the Copenhagen conference in December 2009. The negotiations, scheduled 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 significant role in hosting the negotiations has placed it in a unique position to seek consensus. Despite the global focus on the financial crisis and the resulting divisions between wealthy and developing nations on addressing climate change, Denmark's Prime Minister, Rasmussen, sees China's commitment as a positive signal for others. He urged countries not to let the economic downturn hinder progress on a new climate agreement, suggesting that increased investment in green technology could actually help spur economic recovery. Rasmussen warned against using the financial crisis as an excuse to weaken efforts to combat climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to combat climate change, despite the financial crisis. He highlighted that delaying action on climate change is not acceptable, and urged China to participate in the fight. Barroso also pointed out that while there is a cost to reducing emissions, the cost of climate change will be much higher in the long run, especially for China. 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, surpassing those of the United States, have prompted other nations to urge for stricter limits. This week, EU environment ministers suggested that developing countries should aim to reduce emissions by 15 to 30 percent compared to current levels. The EU proposal does not impose an absolute cap on emissions for poorer countries but requires them to take measurable actions. This approach could encourage China and other developing nations to make commitments to reduce emissions. According to Rasmussen, contributions from industrialized countries alone will not suffice, and engagement from major emerging economies is essential. During the opening of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Friday, the European Union member states and the European Commission will engage in discussions about climate change policy with Japan, China, India, and 13 other Asian countries. Rasmussen expressed hope that the meeting will result in an agreement to aim for a pact in Copenhagen.