Although China was hardly the only country to be criticised over the weak outcome of the Copenhagen climate meeting, it is still clearly smarting over some of the accusations levelled at its role there. One of the most cutting was a comment by environmental activist and Maldives advisor Mark Lynas, whose account of a final meeting between heads of state on December 18 pointed the finger squarely at the Chinese delegation – including Premier Wen Jiabao, who Lynas says did not even attend but instead sent a ‘second-tier’ official whose lack of authority frustrated proceedings.

New comments by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao shed some light on China’s view of what happened at Copenhagen – but the overall picture remains murky.

Japan’s cabinet on Friday approved a ‘basic bill’ outlining the government’s relatively ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020; and by 80 per cent by 2050. But the goals are beset by criticisms familiar to other developed countries attempting to pass climate bills.

By getting agreement before the end of last week, the Japanese government avoided a possible lengthy delay until after elections in July. The bill, which is now before parliament and is expected to be approved by the end of the month, is light on details, and states that any measures should not be introduced until next year.