The climatic cauldron is boiling. Chinese diplomat criticizes the EU and Trump's “bad example”. In turn, the White House shouts about conspiracy and “green fraud”
— The European Union's new pollution reduction targets are insufficient, China's climate envoy told POLITICO at this year's COP30 conference, while condemning the United States' absence.
In a rare interview on Monday, November 17, Chinese diplomat Liu Zhenmin rejected criticism of China's climate action, which European Union Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra recently described as “clearly disappointing.”
However, he also expressed hope that China and the EU will be able to intensify cooperation on climate issues.
Yours he directed his harshest criticism at the Trump administrationwhich once again withdrew from the Paris Agreement [mającego na celu ograniczenie globalnego ocieplenia] and did not attend the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil.
– It's terrible. The absence of the United States really sets a very bad example. This affects the integrity of climate protection, he said. — So we hope that the United States will actually return to the Paris Agreement in the coming years.
As for the EU's recently agreed emissions reduction targets, Liu said they are “not very good.”
The EU aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and has adopted some of the most ambitious climate policies in the world. This month, member state governments agreed to reduce climate-warming emissions by 66-72% by 2035 and by 90% by 2040. compared to 1990 levels.
Liu argued that as the world aims to collectively achieve net zero emissions in 2050, the EU and other developed countries should achieve this milestone “before 2040” to give developing countries more time to industrialize.
This applies to climate justice: we need to treat targets differently for developed and developing countries
– he said.
China – which despite its status as the world's second largest economy insist on maintaining its classification as a developing country — committed to zero CO2 emissions by 2060 and to reducing pollution by 7-10%. by 2035
Liu defended the plan and called it “very ambitious.”
However, even though this was Beijing's first promise to specifically reduce emissions, it did not meet experts' expectations because China are responsible for 30 percent global pollution — up from 6 percent in the case of the EU.
Cooperation or geopolitical splits?
Liu also called on the EU to intensifying climate cooperation with Chinabut said there was no “real replacement” for the United States.
— Taking into account current challenges, both geopolitical and economic,
The EU and China need to really step up their cooperation on combating climate change
– he said. — The European Union can learn a lot from China, and China can learn a lot from the European Union.
The power plant chimney emits purified exhaust gases. Binzhou, China, February 25, 2025CFOTO / Contributor / Getty Images
But he suggested the bloc needs to resolve its internal differences if it wants to play a major role in global talks – echoing internal disagreements that have delayed the EU's climate goals and prevented Beijing and Brussels from jointly announcing their goals.
— I hope that the European Union will significantly improve its internal coordination, he warned, adding that this could affect “its essential role in this global multilateral process.”
One European negotiator said China “felt let down by the EU” and “said it was ready to jointly present [celów klimatycznych] in June”.
The European Commission did not respond to a request for comment.
Without mentioning the EU by name, Liu also warned against “unilateral measures that could harm international cooperation” on climate.
Follow Trump 'before it's too late'
During COP30, many emerging economies pushed for a debate on “unilateral trade measures”. The move mainly concerns the EU's planned carbon tariff, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is intended to protect EU industries from competition from countries where carbon prices are low or non-existent.
Brussels says it is open to discussions, but any disputes should be resolved at the World Trade Organization, not at the UN climate summit.
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— People are afraid of both the implementation of CBAM from next year and the tariff war in the United States. This can really make transformation collaboration impossible, Liu said.
Asked about Liu's comments, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said:
— President Trump set a strong example for the rest of the world by reversing course on the issue green energy scam and freeing our natural resources.
She also called on other countries to “follow President Trump's example before it is too late.”
The U.S. Department of State did not provide a direct response, but addressed its absence from COP30, stating that: “The Trump Administration has refused to use taxpayer dollars to send or facilitate any official travel to this conference whose purpose is to weakening of the American economy and leading to bankruptcy American society.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
