US and China Seek Climate Cooperation Amidst Bilateral Talks

The United States and China are set to engage in discussions this week aimed at reinvigorating their joint efforts to combat global warming. These bilateral meetings are anticipated to raise the bar on climate ambitions ahead of the UN-sponsored climate talks scheduled for late 2023.

John Kerry, the US special envoy on climate change, arrived in Beijing on Sunday to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua from Monday to Wednesday. The discussions will cover topics such as reducing methane emissions, limiting coal use, combating deforestation, and supporting developing nations in addressing climate change.

Additionally, the discussions are expected to touch upon China’s objections to US tariffs and restrictions on imports of Chinese solar panel and battery components. The US aims to safeguard its domestic manufacturers from low-cost competitors in China, some of whom are suspected of using forced labor, an accusation that Beijing denies.

While breakthroughs are not expected during these meetings, experts hope that they will restore a sense of normalcy and diplomacy to the US-China relationship. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration for its approach to climate diplomacy, arguing that China continues to increase its greenhouse gas emissions while the US bears the costs of clean-up measures.

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This visit by Kerry marks the third high-level visit to China this year by US officials, following Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, all with the aim of establishing a stable bilateral relationship.

Despite broader disagreements, both countries agree that they can collaborate on climate change issues. The talks are seen as significant, highlighting the importance of climate change in the world’s most critical bilateral relationship.

Past US-China talks have played a crucial role in advancing global climate negotiations, including the groundwork for the Paris climate accord in 2015. However, tensions between the two nations have strained the relationship since then, including trade disputes, US legislation blocking imports from Xinjiang over forced labor concerns, and high-profile visits to Taiwan.

China’s recent resurgence in coal usage, alongside its rapid growth in renewable energy, poses a challenge for the discussions. While the US aims to address the issue of new coal plant development, China is unlikely to provide assurances on this matter. On the other hand, China is expected to raise concerns about US tariffs on its solar technology, although no changes are likely to be announced.

The US will also urge China to contribute to UN-run funds supporting climate action in developing countries, but China, considering itself a developing nation, has been resistant to such participation.

As the discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how both countries navigate their differences and find common ground in the fight against climate change.