By Smartencyclopedia Staff*
John Kerry, the US climate envoy, engaged in a four-hour discussion with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, reigniting diplomatic efforts to combat climate change and reduce emissions. These talks had been halted previously due to tensions arising from Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which angered China as it considers Taiwan to be part of its territory.
Despite disagreements between the US and China over Taiwan and other issues, Kerry, a former secretary of state, has maintained relatively cordial and consistent relations with China.
According to Chinese state media, Kerry met with Xie Zhenhua, China’s special envoy for climate change affairs, in Beijing. The state broadcaster CCTV reported that the discussions lasted around four hours but did not provide further details.
After the talks, Beijing expressed that climate change is a global challenge that requires collaborative efforts from all nations. China stated its willingness to exchange views with the United States on climate change-related matters and work together to address challenges and improve the well-being of present and future generations, as stated by Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.
On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that Kerry would urge China not to use its developing nation status as an excuse to impede emission reduction efforts. Sullivan believes that every country, including China, has a responsibility to decrease emissions and expects the international community to encourage and pressure China to take more significant actions.
China has historically justified its high emissions by claiming its status as a developing nation, although there is a consensus that further efforts are required. Secretary Kerry will address this matter during his visit to Beijing.
Kerry’s trip to China follows visits by other prominent US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, aimed at stabilizing the US-China relationship.
The timing of Kerry’s visit coincided with record-setting summer heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere, exacerbated by climate change according to scientists.
Chunping Xie, Senior Policy Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, expressed that Kerry’s visit and the resumption of climate discussions highlight the critical importance of coordinated efforts to address the climate crisis. Xie noted the shared determination of both nations to navigate their complex geopolitical relationship for the greater good.
As the largest emitter of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, China has committed to peaking its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping has also pledged to reduce coal usage starting in 2026.
However, concerns have been raised as China approved a significant increase in coal power in April, which Greenpeace criticized for prioritizing energy supply over emissions reduction commitments. There are doubts regarding China’s ability to fulfill its targets.
Experts have identified the methane action plan as an area where progress is hoped for. Although both countries agreed to address methane emissions in a joint declaration following the 2021 global climate talks in Glasgow, China has not made significant advancements in this regard. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air believes that given China’s substantial growth in clean energy, it has the potential to commit to stronger targets.
However, it is acknowledged that achieving progress requires more than a single visit by Kerry.
Source: With Agencies