Liu Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change, is set to embark on a visit to the United States from May 7 to 16 for discussions with his US counterpart, marking the first formal talks between climate envoys from both countries. This meeting holds significant importance as observers anticipate the continuation and expansion of positive exchanges between China and the US on addressing climate change. However, concerns loom over the potential impact of the upcoming US presidential election on future cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Liu will lead a delegation to engage in discussions with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Podesta. The discussions will focus on various topics, including the “The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis,” issued by the two countries in November last year, along with other consensuses. The aim is to advance practical outcomes in promoting China-US climate cooperation.
In addition to talks with Podesta, Liu will hold discussions with relevant United Nations departments, local governments, and think tanks in the US on climate change-related issues.
China intends to expand cooperation on energy, the circular economy, and efforts to mitigate greenhouse gases beyond carbon dioxide, as highlighted by Liu in a recent interview with Bloomberg. Emphasizing the importance of common ground, Liu stressed the need for cooperation between the US and China in leading the global response to climate change while respecting each other’s concerns.
Topics such as energy transition and non-CO2 greenhouse emissions, including methane, are likely to dominate discussions between Liu and Podesta, given their mutual significance. Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, highlighted trade issues as another key topic, particularly in light of US trade protectionism in key low-carbon transformation products and technologies.
The personal rapport established between Liu and Podesta’s predecessors has played a crucial role in sustaining climate talks between China and the US amid bilateral tensions. The upcoming formal talks between the current envoys are hoped to build on this positive exchange. However, concerns persist regarding the potential impact of the US presidential election on future cooperation.
Liu expressed hope that regardless of the election outcome, the US will remain committed to climate action and the Paris Agreement. Withdrawal from the agreement could disrupt climate collaboration between the two nations and impede global efforts to combat climate change.
To mitigate such uncertainties, Ma emphasized the importance of dual-track communication between China and the US, involving exchanges at both central government and sub-national levels, as well as non-governmental cooperation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s visit to China in November last year underscored the importance of sub-national cooperation. During his trip, California signed several Memorandums of Understanding with Chinese counterparts, advancing climate policy collaboration and laying the groundwork for future partnerships.