The US and China began pre-Cop28 talks in California over the weekend as the globe prepares for global climate negotiations in the UAE this month.
Nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions blamed for rising temperatures come from the US and China, the world’s two largest economies and frequent rivals. (Source: The National News/AP News)
Leader Talks on Global Climate Change
On Saturday, US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry and Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua discussed global warming. The State Department stated that the talks would center on negotiations with China to address the climate problem, including increased implementation and ambition, as well as efforts to promote a successful Cop28.The State Department said the meeting builds on President [Joe] Biden and President Xi [Jinping]’s meeting in Bali last year, at which the leaders agreed to work together to address the climate crisis and maintain open communication and responsibly manage the US-China relationship.
According to AFP, Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said the two sides “will have an in-depth exchange of views on promoting action and co-operation on climate change and supporting the success of Cop28 in Dubai”. Last July, Mr. Xie and Mr. Kerry met in Beijing for honest, in-depth, and constructive climate talks. The US and China, the world’s two largest economies and frequent rivals, emit roughly half of greenhouse gases that raise temperatures, making it increasingly difficult to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters are meeting amid rising regional tensions over China’s South China Sea operations, Taiwan’s future, and economic and technical competitiveness. Both parties have made official trips to deescalate tensions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Mr. Xi in Beijing in June, and China’s senior diplomat Wang Yi met Mr. Biden in Washington last month. Dubai will host Cop28 from November 30 to December 12.
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