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China Pledges Continued Climate Action, Apparent Jab at “Protectionism”
China has affirmed its commitment to addressing the climate crisis, with President Xi Jinping seemingly criticizing the “protectionism” embedded in policies like former President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This announcement underscores China’s position on climate action and its role in the global effort to promote renewable energy.
Virtual Meeting on Climate Crisis
President Xi Jinping participated in a private virtual meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and numerous other heads of state and government. The discussions centered on the escalating global climate crisis and strategies to combat it.
Commitment to Climate Actions
According to a draft of his remarks, Xi communicated that China would “not decelerate its climate actions.” While not explicitly naming the U.S. or Trump, he alluded to them by highlighting China’s achievements in constructing “the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy systems, as well as the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain.”
Addressing Unilateralism and Protectionism
Xi stated: “Although some major country’s persistent pursuit of unilateralism and protectionism has seriously impacted international rules and the international order… as long as we enhance confidence, solidarity, and cooperation, we will overcome the headwinds and steadily move forward global climate governance and all progressive endeavors of the world.”
Guterres’ Response: Clean Energy Future
Following the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres asserted that no government or fossil fuel interests could hinder the world from pursuing a clean energy future.
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“The world is moving forward, full speed ahead,” Guterres said. “No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution. Science is on our side, and the economics have shifted.”
U.S. Absence and China’s Role
Guterres did not directly reference Trump, but the actions of the former U.S. president loomed over the meeting. The U.S. administration was reportedly not invited to the online summit.
- China’s presence was crucial, signifying an attempt to position itself as a reliable superpower.
- A leader for developing countries.
- An economic partner advocating for climate action.
- A counterbalance to the perceived unpredictability of the U.S.
Economic Impacts and Trade War
The global trade conflict initiated by the U.S. has significantly impacted its economy, leading to stock market declines and bond investors seeking safer investments.
China has responded by implementing controls on certain minerals and materials essential for clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries.
China’s Absence at London Energy Summit
China is foregoing a separate summit in London, hosted by the UK government and the International Energy Agency, focusing on the future of energy security. The U.S. will be represented by Tommy Joyce, the acting assistant secretary for the office of international affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy.
White House Denies New Restrictions
The White House dismissed rumors of impending restrictions on nonprofit organizations advocating for climate action, following widespread speculation about a potential executive order.
Unifying Message for Climate Action
Guterres informed journalists that China, Brazil, the EU, and other participating countries and blocs, including leaders from the African Union, the Asean group, and the Alliance of Small Island States, conveyed “a unifying message” in support of climate action.
He emphasized: “Our world faces massive headwinds and a multitude of crises. But we cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course.”
Commitments and Future Climate Summits
During the UN meeting, countries reaffirmed their commitment to presenting national plans on greenhouse gas emissions by September, prior to the upcoming UN climate summit, Cop30, in Brazil in November.
Guterres also urged countries to increase climate financing for vulnerable nations and to establish a clear path for delivering the promised $1.3 trillion annually to developing nations by 2035, as agreed upon at Cop29.