China opposes EU carbon emissions tax, wants multilateral solution (2)

However, the official said that China has noticed the EU Commission's proposal to freeze the tax on non-EU flights for one year, and the country is willing to figure out a proper solution to the issue through a multilateral mechanism, such as the platform of the International Civil Aviation Organization, in accordance with relevant international law.

Xie said that after the Doha climate conference, China will also vigorously participate in high-level round-table talks regarding cutting emissions in the aviation industry, and it is planning to table some proposals to advance this cause.

The official stressed that China is also taking robust measures to reduce emissions in its aviation and shipping industries, including airport renovation projects and other efforts to increase energy efficiency.

Taxing or trading emissions are not the only approaches to emissions reduction, Xie said, adding that China will not reject such measures, but hopes for a more comprehensive solution.

Xie further noted that last year China initiated a pilot carbon emissions trading system in seven of the country's provincial-level regions including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, and the program has been running smoothly so far.

In June, the NDRC issued a regulation on the administrative register and management of such transactions.

China is also willing to cooperate with other countries in this field and establish an acceptable international carbon emissions trading market. But that should be on the condition that China, itself, has relevant experience and a sound system, Xie said.

Moreover, the official said the government is considering a carbon tax system to see which system works better in China.