China Urges Continued US Climate Cooperation Amidst Election Uncertainty

China stresses the importance of continued US cooperation on climate issues regardless of the upcoming election result. Top officials express concerns about potential shifts in US policy, emphasizing the need for stable climate collaboration to uphold international agreements and progress on global emission targets.

As the U.S. presidential election looms, China has urged America to maintain its climate cooperation commitments, a request underscored by a senior government official this Friday. The collaboration between the two leading greenhouse gas emitters has been pivotal in achieving significant climate milestones, including the historic 2015 Paris Agreement.

The possible re-election of former President Donald Trump raises concerns over future bilateral climate engagements, with Trump previously withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. Xia Yingxian, China's climate office director general, highlighted the necessity of stable U.S. climate policies, especially with COP29 approaching in Baku, Azerbaijan.

As nations prepare to present enhanced climate action plans, the Paris Agreement nations, including the U.S. and China, face the obligation of elevated commitments. Despite China's progress and ambitions, challenges like rising energy demands and green trade barriers persist, requiring robust efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

(With inputs from agencies.)