The carbon trade will ensure transparency and will be operated based on market principles. China's firm attitude toward engaging in global climate change prevention will inject confidence amid a rising division between pro-globalization and anti-globalization."

Xie Zhenhua, China's special envoy for climate change, who has participated in United Nations conferences on the subject, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

"Employment is vital to people's livelihood and provides core support for developing our economy. The importance of employment cannot be overestimated. With jobs, there is income, and hence a basis for innovation, stability and development. We want sound momentum going forward, and sound jobs are a start."

Li Keqiang, premier, said at a State Council executive meeting on Jan 18.

"It's better that the country builds a unified early warning system for smog, instead of having separate releases from the weather and environmental departments. The environmental authorities should take the lead on this."

Xie Shaodong, professor of environmental sciences at Peking University, said after the meteorological authorities announced it will no longer release separate smog alerts.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 01/20/2017 page2)