Beijing: China, which is the world's second largest carbon dioxide emitter, has announced its first national action plan to respond to climate change under which it would adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao here yesterday.

The action plan describes climate change effects and outlines policies and measures China will adopt, said a statement from the Cabinet, without describing specific policies and measures.

Chairman of the National Reform Development Commission, the top planning body, Ma Kai, is expected to detail the action plan on Monday, ahead of the Outreach Session of the G-8 Summit in Germany.

Climate change is one of the key topics to be discussed at the Outreach Session of the G-8 Summit which is also being attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

"Also in the plan, China clarified its basic stance on global warming and called for international cooperation. China would adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities" in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change," the statement said.

"Climate change should be dealt with under the framework of sustainable development," it said.