EU to probe China on climate intentions

[December 05, 2011]  DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The European Union, championing a deal to get all major countries to agree to binding pollution targets, says it will explore new signals coming from China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

A 192-party U.N. conference moves into its decisive second week Monday, seeking agreement on future pledges by industrial countries to cut emissions and to finalize arrangements for a $100 billion annual climate fund for poor countries.

EU Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said she will ask China about its signals in the last week that it is willing to begin negotiating on bringing major developing countries into a legally binding deal on their emissions controls.

Hedegaard said it is unclear how far China will commit to an international emissions accord.

[Associated Press]

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