World's biggest polluters China and the US today clashed at the rift-marred climate talks here over the issue of emission cuts and funding mechanism plans, as India made it clear it would not convert its domestic carbon reduction pledges into a globally binding pact.
While the US demanded "a real commitment from China," over carbon emission cuts, China hit back by slamming the US for announcing inadequate mitigation targets itself.
US chief negotiator Todd Stern asked China to "stand behind" its promise of cutting down emissions as he said national reduction targets announced by major developing nations, including India, should be "wrapped up" in a binding international agreement.
China rejected the US demand, and asked Washington to engage in some "deep soul-searching," slamming it for failing to meet its 17-year-old commitment on carbon reduction.
"What they should do is some deep soul-searching," said Yu Qingtai, China's chief climate negotiator.
China said the 17% reduction in carbon emission offered by the US by 2020 over 2005 levels was neither "remarkable" nor "notable".
"The emissions of the US continue to grow long even though it has long completed industrialisation," Su Wei, another Chinese delegate, said.
Reacting to the US demand of including domestic targets into an international agreement for greater "transparency", India said its national targets were not up for review.
India recently announced reduction in emission intensity by 20-25% by 2020 with an emphasis that it was a voluntary decision not open to external scrutiny.
India has made it clear that it will have a positive and flexible approach at the climate conference and will not be a deal-breaker.
Significantly, New Delhi's announcement on intensity emission cut came close on the heels of Beijing deciding to cut such emissions by 40-45% by 2020.
India and China have been coordinating their positions on the climate issue, and environment minister Jairam Ramesh was recently in Beijing to discuss the matter.
"On this issue (of climate change), the view of the developing countries is highly unified," Chinese foreign ministry's head of treaty and law department Duan Jielong was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
"Any intention to ask developing countries to shoulder mandatory obligations is inconsistent with the consensus already reached by the international community," Duan said.
Singh and Wen also discussed issues of bilateral interest.
Wen also talked to Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on climate conference.
India, China and Brazil are the leading developing countries on whom the developed world is mounting pressure to commit reduction in emissions.
The three countries, however, have been asserting that developed nations have been the major polluters and should contribute more to reduce emissions.
