BEIJING, January 16 (Xinhuanet) -- China finds its role in global
efforts and negotiations for the settlement of major environmental
issues more and more important as its international influence is
increasing.
   As the world's biggest developing country and having great
significance in global environmental protection, China has been
actively involved in international cooperation of environmental
protection, according to an official with the State Environmental
Protection Administration (SEPA).
   He said "environment diplomacy" is becoming vital to a country'
s foreign relations because the influence of environmental factors
now have increasing impacts on various fields such as national
security, economy and foreign trade. 
   China has signed more than 30 bilateral agreements or
memorandum on environmental protection with 27 countries, as well
as agreements on cooperation in the field of nuclear safety with
some 10 countries, said Wang Zhijia, director of the SEPA's
Department of International Cooperation.
   The country is also a key member of many environmental
organizations in Asia and Pacific regions, Wang said. 
   So far, China has joined in more than 20 international
conventions that deal with environmental issues such as biological
diversity, climate change, the protection of the ozone layer, and
the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes.
   Through using Global Environment Funds, donated funds and loans
from the World Bank and foreign governments, China has been able
to fulfill its commitments to the international society to solve
environmental problems step by step, Wang said.
   He said international and domestic situations at present are
favorable for China to carry out international cooperation in
environmental sector.
   To achieve sustainable development has become a consensus of
many countries, which in turn will enable China to obtain more
overseas supports to promote the industry of environmental
protection.  Enditem