Climate cooperation has emerged as a focal point of bilateral interactions during this time of improving relations between China and the U.S., contributing to increased exchanges ahead of the upcoming COP28 summit in the UAE. In an effort to manage disagreements and establish consensus, China and the U.S. have undertaken climate change negotiations.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry traveled to China in July this year. It was generally believed that his visit would reduce tensions between the two countries by promoting climate cooperation. Following John Kerry's visit, China-U.S. climate diplomacy had been almost dormant for recent months until California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent visit to China revived it. The recently concluded 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum also underscored the need for cooperation between China and the U.S. to address global issues like climate change.
During his week-long tour to China, Newsom visited a wetland nature reserve, an offshore wind farm, Shanghai's Tesla gigafactory, and Shenzhen's fully electric bus fleet. He signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shanghai. The pact seeks to strengthen collaboration in the areas of renewable energy development, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. International climate organizations, including many Chinese and American ones, have expressed positive sentiments towards the MoU, highlighting Newsom's emphasis on climate cooperation.
The possibility for collaboration in green development and environmental preservation was demonstrated by Newsom's visit to China. In his visits to China's two business centers, Shenzhen and Yancheng, he underlined the need for increased dialogue and exchanges between the two nations to foster practical cooperation and reduce miscommunication.
The fact that climate change is a topic on which China and the U.S. can have an open dialogue is both accurate and vital. China and the U.S. should set aside their differences to address climate change. The U.S. needs to prioritize cooperation over geopolitical disagreements. Beijing and Washington should demonstrate how to effectively combat their shared foe in practice.
Ultimately, bilateral comprehensive connections would be strengthened through this kind of climate collaboration. Global political cooperation may be built on the China-U.S. climate partnership. Governor Gavin Newsom has called for China-U.S. collaboration on climate change mitigation. For the benefit of both nations and the global community, China and the U.S. should continue their climate change dialogue.
Given Newsom's moderate stance, China and the U.S. can redefine their diplomatic ties and assume a leadership role in combating global warming through climate cooperation. Sincerity in the U.S.'s approach to the climate change problem may encourage collaboration rather than rivalry. Prominent academics and officials from many countries and international organizations have expressed great appreciation for China's efforts in the fight against climate change. China has pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The climate change issue would be less complicated if developed countries, including the U.S., followed China's lead and took responsibility for their actions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
