XU Qinhua: China-US Cooperation on Climate Change Yields Fruitful Results

XU Qinhua, Deputy Dean of the National Academy of Development and Strategy and Professor at the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, published an article titled “China-US Cooperation on Climate Change Yields Fruitful Results” on China.com. The article mainly outlines the cooperation and progress between China and the United States in addressing climate change.

On November 15, 2023, China and the US issued the “The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis” reaching a consensus on issues such as energy transition, greenhouse gas emissions, and the circular economy. China-US cooperation has shown positive momentum on multiple levels, including national-level consultations and mechanism cooperation, as well as civil exchanges and corporate collaboration. Looking ahead, China-US cooperation is of great significance for global climate governance and energy transition.

Firstly, following the release of the “The Sunnylands Statement”, the two countries have carried out a series of cooperative plans, setting an international example and boosting confidence.

Secondly, the two countries are jointly advancing the COP28 agenda, restarting and strengthening the climate communication mechanism, injecting positive energy into multilateral negotiations and global climate governance.

Lastly, cooperation in clean energy technology is crucial and will contribute to the improvement of the renewable energy innovation system globally.

However, the recent US tariffs on Chinese green technology products, under the pretext of “overcapacity”, have added uncertainty to future cooperation. Despite these uncertainties, China remains committed to its climate change goals and will continue to drive the global climate governance process. 

(Translated by ZHANG Yuqing; Proofread by YANG Fanxin)