As a nation that had generally kept a low profile, China is now asserting itself in more ways than one. In keeping with its huge economy and increasing diplomatic clout, the country is reaching out and making its presence felt at the Copenhagen conference. There is a new-found confidence missing in earlier international conferences. Those who have covered such conferences know the difficulty in reaching out to Chinese delegates. Seeking answers to questions, generally lapped up Western delegates, used to be a problem with members from the Asian giant. Silence was often the answer.

Not anymore. China has come with a delegation of over 120 people headed by China’s deputy climate negotiator Yu Qingtai, an articulate man who does not flinch at uncomfortable questions. He gives clear, precise replies in perfect English. “We have come with a delegation of over 100 people because this is an important conference. We want to cover all the aspects of climate change debate,” Yu told Financial Chronicle at the end of one session. And it’s no longer reticent about taking on United States, something which had been left to the more vocal developing countries. “I was shocked to read the statement of the US special envoy which was extremely irresponsible,” vice foreign minister He Yafei told reporters reacting to Todd Stern’s comment that money for mitigation or adaptation steps should not go to China. Given the fact that developed countries have done nothing but empty talk, they have no right to make any requests, said Xie Zhenhua, China’s top climate negotiatior. Earlier, Yu said he would advice American leaders to “do some soul searching.” These are not words that one would have normally heard from Chinese diplomats. If the gloves are off, it shows an assertive and confident China looking for a central role on the world stage. Complementing the growing role of China in global diplomacy is its media. Suddenly, Chinese journalists are in the forefront of asking questions at press conferences. You would have had to look very hard to locate Chinese journalists earlier. Now they are in your face. Over 100 journalists from TV, print and online media are present in Copenhagen, compared to around 15 from a free press country like India. And they are posing questions in English, to even Chinese speakers.

“English has become very important in China. If you are going to cover any aspect of international reporting you must know English,” says Huang Shan, deputy international editor of Beijing-based Caijing magazine who also files for the web edition of his periodical.