Brazil: China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called on world leaders to dismantle global trade barriers that, he said, are obstructing the collective march toward a sustainable and low-carbon future. Speaking at the opening session of the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, Ding emphasized that the success of the global green transition depends on open trade, mutual trust, and equitable access to clean technologies. He stressed that no nation should be left behind because of protectionist policies that restrict the movement of environmentally friendly goods and technologies across borders.
Ding asserted that China remains fully committed to promoting green development and decarbonization in line with the Paris Agreement. He reaffirmed Beijing’s pledge to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, highlighting new domestic measures to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, electric mobility, and sustainable manufacturing. “China will work with all nations to create a fair and open environment for green industries, remove discriminatory barriers, and jointly build a sustainable future for humanity,” he said.
The Chinese Vice Premier pointed out that trade barriers imposed by some developed nations have slowed global progress toward green transformation, especially in developing economies. He argued that the international community should focus on collaboration rather than competition in clean technology, noting that climate challenges cannot be solved through unilateral measures or economic rivalry. “Trade protectionism under the banner of green policies only undermines collective climate goals,” Ding cautioned, urging countries to reform their trade systems to encourage green innovation and the free flow of eco-friendly goods.
Ding also reiterated China’s call for developed countries to honor their financial commitments to assist developing nations in achieving their climate targets. He reminded delegates that many nations in the Global South face limited resources and rely on external financing and technology transfers to advance renewable energy projects. According to Ding, bridging the “green divide” between North and South is essential for ensuring a just transition. “We must ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and shared benefits in the global green transition,” he said.
The Vice Premier’s remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension over clean energy supply chains and trade policies. Many Western countries have introduced tariffs and export controls on critical minerals and solar components, arguing that they are necessary to protect domestic industries. However, China, as the world’s largest producer of solar panels and electric vehicle batteries, sees such restrictions as obstacles to global climate cooperation. Ding’s comments reflect Beijing’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development and a defender of multilateral climate action.
China’s appeal resonated with delegates from developing nations, many of whom have expressed frustration with limited access to green technologies and the slow pace of climate financing. As the Belem summit continues, the question of balancing trade fairness with climate ambition is expected to dominate discussions. Ding’s message that economic openness and environmental progress must go hand in hand sets the tone for what could become one of the most consequential climate conferences of the decade.