US Climate Envoy John Kerry to Fly to China, Resuming Climate Talks with Chinese Counterpart
Amid the urgency of climate change, John Kerry, the US climate envoy, is preparing to travel to China to resume talks with Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua. The two largest economies in the world are uniting their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and ensure environmental sustainability.
Kerry’s visit to China comes at a time when the world is experiencing record-breaking summer temperatures, a clear sign of climate deterioration according to scientists.
The bilateral climate discussions were put on hold when former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, causing frustration in Beijing.
Despite strained bilateral relations, Kerry has maintained relatively close and consistent ties with China, particularly on issues like advanced semiconductors where both countries disagree.
Kerry’s trip follows visits by two other prominent officials from the Biden administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, aimed at stabilizing US-China relations.
According to the US State Department, Kerry was scheduled to depart for China on Saturday.
The Biden administration recognizes climate as an area for potential cooperation with Beijing, despite other areas of tension.
The resumption of US-China climate talks comes after the hottest week on record globally, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization. June also set a record as the hottest month ever recorded, according to US and European agencies.
During his time in Beijing, Kerry aims to engage with Chinese officials to enhance implementation and ambition regarding climate action and to promote a successful COP28, referring to the UN climate talks scheduled for November.
Nearly 200 nations will gather in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for COP28 to discuss strategies for mitigating global warming and its impacts.
China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping has additionally emphasized that China will reduce its use of coal starting in 2026.
In addition to climate goals, Kerry is expected to address international climate finance efforts, following Treasury Secretary Yellen’s call during her Beijing visit for China to play a larger role.
Kerry’s trip will be closely monitored in Washington, particularly after criticism from Republican lawmakers who characterized it as him “flying a carbon-spewing private jet halfway across the world to discuss climate with a political adversary.”
