WASHINGTON: US climate envoy John Kerry is set to embark on his third trip to China as President Joe Biden’s climate emissary, aiming to restart discussions between the world’s two largest emitters of planet-warming gases. Kerry’s visit comes as scientists attribute weeks of record-setting summer heat to the escalating impacts of climate change.
Bilateral climate talks between the United States and China had stalled last year after Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the US House of Representatives, visited Taiwan, infuriating Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory. However, Kerry, known for his amicable and consistent relations with China, despite other contentious issues like Taiwan and advanced semiconductors, seeks to revive the dialogue.
Kerry’s trip follows high-profile visits by US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, with the aim of stabilizing US-China relations. He was scheduled to depart for Beijing on Saturday, according to the US State Department.
While tensions persist in several areas, the Biden administration sees climate change as an area for potential cooperation with China. Kerry’s mission in Beijing will focus on engaging Chinese officials to enhance the implementation and ambition of climate goals and promote a successful outcome at the upcoming UN climate talks, known as COP28, scheduled for November.
US and China Climate Talks and Global Heatwave
This renewed dialogue between the US and China takes place against the backdrop of the hottest week on record globally, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization. Additionally, June witnessed the highest temperatures ever recorded, according to US and European agencies.
China, as the world’s leading producer of greenhouse gases, has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping has also committed to reducing coal usage from 2026. However, concerns have been raised after China approved a significant expansion of coal power in April, drawing criticism from Greenpeace for prioritizing energy supply over emission reduction commitments. Challenges such as economic fallout from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reduced hydropower capacity due to severe droughts further complicate China’s energy planning.
During his visit, Kerry is expected to discuss international climate finance efforts, building on Treasury Secretary Yellen’s call for China to play a larger role in this aspect. Kerry’s trip will be closely monitored in Washington, particularly as Republican lawmakers have criticized his use of a private jet for a trip aimed at climate discussions with a political adversary.
