Julie Bishop plays down significance of China's 60% carbon reduction pledge

Australia's foreign minister says Beijing's position known 'for some time' as world's largest emitter vows to cut carbon emissions by 60-65% from 2005 levels

Australia's foreign minister, Julie Bishop, has played down the significance of China unveiling its post-2020 emissions reduction target, saying Beijing's position has been known "for some time".

The world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 60-65% from 2005 levels, and increase the share of non-fossil fuels as part of its primary energy consumption to about 20% by 2030.