BEIJING- U.S. climate envoy John Kerry emphasized that climate change is a "universal threat" and should be addressed independently from other diplomatic concerns.
Following two days of discussions with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, Kerry characterized the talks as constructive but intricate. He acknowledged the past diplomatic challenges between the two nations and stressed the importance of treating climate change as a separate and stand-alone challenge. Kerry highlighted that resolving this issue requires collective efforts from the world's largest economies.
During a meeting at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry expressed the potential to make a significant impact in tackling climate change. He arrived in Beijing amidst heat waves sweeping through Europe, Asia, and the United States, highlighting the urgency for governments to take decisive action in curbing carbon emissions.
These emissions are a major driver of global warming and extreme weather events, making it imperative for nations to implement measures to reduce their carbon footprints and address the pressing issue of climate change.
During his visit to Beijing, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry engaged in meetings with key Chinese officials, including top diplomat Wang Yi, Premier Li Qiang, and veteran climate envoy Xie Zhenhua. The purpose of these discussions was to rebuild trust and foster cooperation between the two nations ahead of the crucial COP28 climate talks scheduled in Dubai later in the year.
Kerry emphasized the significance of the upcoming COP28 talks, stating that they could be the most pivotal since the Paris Agreement. He conveyed his optimism about the potential for meaningful collaboration between the United States and China in the months leading up to the conference, highlighting the opportunity to bring about a profound difference on the issue of climate change.
Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng affirmed that the United States and China have been engaged in consistent and open communication on climate issues ever since John Kerry's appointment as envoy. Han highlighted that a joint statement released by both nations has conveyed a positive message to the global community regarding their commitment to climate action.
Kerry, addressing reporters earlier, described the talks with Chinese officials as constructive but challenging due to certain political "externalities," such as the issue of Taiwan.
Despite these complexities, the discussions have demonstrated a commitment from both sides to navigate the challenges and find common ground in addressing the urgent climate crisis.
John Kerry stated that the current efforts between the United States and China are focused on re-establishing and rekindling the climate diplomacy that both nations have been engaged in for years. The primary goal is to pave a clear and unambiguous path leading up to the COP28 climate talks and foster cooperative efforts while addressing the various external challenges that exist.
The climate discussions between the top two emitters were halted in August the previous year after U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, an island governed democratically, but claimed by China.
This visit had led to a suspension in the climate cooperation between the U.S. and China, underscoring the complexities and sensitivities surrounding certain political "externalities" that are now being addressed during their renewed engagement.
John Kerry expressed a highly positive atmosphere ahead of Wednesday's meetings with Chinese officials. He described the previous night's dinner as terrific, filled with extensive and constructive discussions. The focus of their engagement is on the substantive aspects of their collaboration, aiming to identify areas where they can effectively work together and achieve tangible results in addressing the climate crisis.
The renewed engagement between the United States and China is characterized by a strong commitment to finding common ground and making significant progress in combating climate change.