The global fight against climate change is taking an unexpected turn as China stands up against what it labels \"green protectionism\" by the European Union and the United States. At the recent 15th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos 2024, held in the coastal city of Dalian, Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the growing tensions head-on.
Li emphasized the need for countries and regions to uphold their emission reduction responsibilities without letting short-term growth concerns hinder the green transition. \"We (countries and regions) need to … deliver on our respective emission reduction responsibilities. We cannot slow down our pace in green transition in exchange for short-term growth, or practice protectionism in the name of green development or environmental protection,\" he stated during the opening plenary.
The friction stems from the EU and U.S. implementing climate agendas that prioritize their own products and companies. The U.S. has imposed a staggering 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), despite Chinese exports to the U.S. being minimal. Similarly, the European Union has introduced provisional tariffs ranging from 18-38% on Chinese-made electric cars, citing concerns over \"overcapacity\" in China's auto industry—a notion first raised by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and amplified by European leaders during the recent G7 summit in Italy.
Critics argue that these measures represent a blend of protectionism and climate policy, undermining free trade principles. This \"green protectionism,\" as it's being increasingly called, is seen as hypocritical and counterproductive, especially when Western consumers show interest in Chinese new energy vehicles. By imposing such tariffs, the EU and U.S. are perceived to be hindering global cooperation on climate goals for their own economic advantage.
In response, the Chinese government is advocating for a more inclusive and fair approach to global climate efforts, urging nations to collaborate rather than compete under the guise of environmental protection. This stance is seen as part of China's broader strategy to assert its role in the global economy and steer international climate policy towards a more balanced and equitable framework.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
