Embassy spokesperson's remarks on reports about China's response to climate change

Question: According to reports by some British media, at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), China did not announce new targets for emission reduction, does not have sufficient existing commitments, and lacks the willingness to cooperate. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy Spokesperson: Mr Xie Zhenhua, China's Special Envoy on Climate Change, has commented on the related issues. I suggest you refer to his remarks for more information.

China has taken a proactive attitude, set ambitious targets and made strenuous efforts in response to climate change. Through concrete actions, China has fully demonstrated the climate ambition and global leadership that are commensurate with its development stage and national realities. The contributions China has made to global climate action are widely-recognised. The targets China has announced for carbon peak and carbon neutrality are in line with the long-term temperature goal in the Paris Agreement and backed up by practical policy measures.

Committed to true multilateralism and following the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, China is working with all the other parties for a successful COP26 by joining hands to push for the delivery of the pledges under the Paris Agreement, build consensus on how to achieve long-term emission reduction goals and advance broader cooperation on climate response.

China has been actively promoting green transition in the economy, with carbon emissions intensity down by around 48 percent by the end of 2020 compared with 2005. China has contributed 30-50 percent of global progress on energy conservation and efficiency and renewable energy in areas including transportation and construction.

China's target for carbon neutrality is fully consistent with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global average temperature increase to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 C. As the largest developing country, China will achieve bigger cuts in carbon emissions intensity than any other country in the world and take the shortest time in history to move from carbon peak to neutrality. This fully demonstrates that China is a big, responsible country.

When measuring climate ambitions, it is actions that count. Unlike some countries that pay lip service, China always keeps its words. China has drawn up its timetable and roadmap, and formulated supporting policy measures, actions and investment. This is a testament to China's sincerity and ambition in taking climate actions.

To make COP26 a success, all parties need to uphold the multilateral consensus and focus on concrete actions. Realistic targets and visions need to be set, and best efforts according to national conditions need to be made to push for implementation of the measures in response to climate change.

Developed countries have greater capacity in tackling climate change. They should recognise and shoulder the responsibility for their huge amounts of aggregate emissions and historical environmental debts by taking the lead in fulfilling their obligations for drastic emission reduction. In particular, developed countries need to help developing countries build up the ability to respond to climate challenges by providing financial and technological support, including fulfilling the pledge of providing $100b a year in climate finance to developing countries by 2020. The developed countries should not shift their responsibility onto China and other developing countries.