At the United Nations Climate Summit on September 24, 2025, Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, delivered a powerful video address marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. With new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due, he outlined three priorities and unveiled China’s updated climate targets for 2035.
Three priorities for global climate governance
- Firm up confidence: Embrace the green transition as the trend of our time, stay focused, and deliver on NDCs.
- Live up to responsibilities: Uphold fairness, respect the right to development, and ensure developed countries lead in emission cuts and support.
- Deepen cooperation: Strengthen coordination in green technologies and expand green production to benefit all.
China’s new NDCs for 2035
- Cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from peak levels
- Raise non-fossil fuels to over 30% of energy consumption
- Expand wind and solar capacity sixfold to 3,600 GW
- Boost forest stock to over 24 billion m³
- Make new energy vehicles mainstream in sales
- Extend the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market to major sectors
Xi emphasized that these targets require both China’s own efforts and an open, supportive international environment. He called on all nations to step up action, bridge the North–South gap, and work together toward a climate-adaptive future.
As the world enters a critical phase of climate governance, Xi’s message is clear: the time for bold, collective action is now. A new chapter in global climate efforts is unfolding—one that hinges on cooperation, responsibility, and unwavering confidence.
Reference(s):
Full text: Xi Jinping's video speech at the UN Climate Summit 2025
cgtn.com
