by Shi Jiangtao in Beijing
SCMP, page A1 November 26, 2009
1. ... demanding binding pollution targets from rich countries
- compulsory, that can not be dropped -
2. Such an outcome is unlikely with the US holding out against mandatory limits but allows Beijing to claim the moral high ground...
- superior moral standards -
... in the contentious debate
- controversial, that provokes argument -
3. Obama would attend the summit to lay out his goals for US emissions cuts
- to make a detailed plan of -
4. It is the first time Beijing had expressed a clear stance against a proposal ...
- position -
5. hopes for a legally binding agreement have dimmed
- diminished -
6. any developed nation that has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol
- signed -
7. ... with the main parties involved stepping up rhetoric...
- increasing -
... to increase their bargaining power
- number of opposing arguments -
8. Despite their deep-rooted rifts no country can afford ...
- disagreements -