The Prime Minister of Denmark stated that China is dedicated to reaching a climate change agreement at important discussions next year, despite the global economic crisis. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen is currently in Beijing for an Asia-Europe meeting and is actively engaging with China, a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, in preparation for end-game talks on a new climate change pact in Copenhagen next year. Rasmussen emphasized that following discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, China has confirmed its commitment to reaching an agreement in Copenhagen 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 will expire at the end of 2012. Denmark's significant role as host has made it a key player in seeking consensus. Despite global attention on the financial crisis and disagreements between wealthy and developing nations on how to address climate change, Chinese commitment is seen as a positive signal by Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen. He urged other countries not to allow the economic downturn to hinder progress on a new agreement, emphasizing that investing in green technology could help boost the economy. Rasmussen warned against using the financial crisis as an excuse to weaken efforts to address climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the importance of staying focused on combating climate change, even amidst the financial crisis. He stated that delaying action on climate change is not acceptable and urged China to join in the fight. Barroso acknowledged that reducing emissions comes with a cost, but emphasized that the cost of climate change will be much higher, especially for China. He called for efforts to combat climate change to remain on track, despite the challenges posed by the current financial crisis. Additionally, he pointed out that under the current Kyoto pact, China and other developing nations are not required to agree to limits on their greenhouse gas emissions. China's rapidly increasing emissions, believed to exceed those of the United States, have prompted other countries to urge firmer limits on China. EU environment ministers have suggested that developing countries should aim to keep emissions 15 to 30 percent lower than "business as usual" levels. The EU proposal does not impose a strict limit on emissions from poorer countries but requires them to take measurable actions. This approach could encourage China and other developing countries to make commitments to reduce emissions. According to Rasmussen, contributions from industrialized nations alone will not suffice, and engagement from major emerging economies is necessary. During the opening of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Friday, discussions regarding climate change policy will take place among 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 aim for a pact in Copenhagen.