BEIJING: US climate envoy John Kerry arrived in China on Sunday to restart stalled climate talks between the world’s two largest emitters of greenhouse gases, according to state media reports.
Kerry’s visit to Beijing will involve in-depth discussions on climate issues with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, starting on Monday, as announced by state broadcaster CCTV upon Kerry’s arrival.
The timing of Kerry’s trip follows a period of record-setting summer heatwaves worldwide, which scientists attribute to climate change. The talks between the US and China on climate matters were suspended last year after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which drew Beijing’s ire as it considers the island a part of its territory.
Nevertheless, Kerry has maintained relatively amicable and consistent relations with China, despite other contentious issues such as Taiwan and advanced semiconductors. His visit marks the third by a high-ranking US official, following Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, aimed at stabilizing US-China relations.
Climate Cooperation Between US and China
The Biden administration has identified climate cooperation as a potential area of collaboration with China, even amid tensions in other areas. The resumption of climate talks between the two countries coincides with the hottest week on record globally, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization, with June already registering as the hottest month ever recorded by US and European agencies.
During his time in Beijing, Kerry aims to engage Chinese officials in discussions regarding the implementation and ambition of climate goals, as well as promoting a successful outcome at the upcoming COP28, the UN climate talks scheduled for November.
China, as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping has also announced plans to reduce coal consumption starting in 2026. However, concerns have been raised following China’s recent approval of a significant increase in coal power, leading to doubts about the country’s ability to meet its ambitious targets.
Kerry’s visit is also expected to touch upon international climate finance efforts, with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen having called for China to play a larger role during her recent trip to Beijing.
Republican lawmakers in Washington have closely scrutinized Kerry’s visit, characterizing it as a carbon-intensive journey to engage with a political adversary. However, the talks between the US and China hold significant weight in global climate efforts, as the cooperation of the two major emitters is crucial in combating climate change and achieving the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.
