Page 4 - AsianOil Week 46 2022

AsianOil COMMENTARY AsianOil

China, US lock horns over

climate commitments

The US is concerned about insufficient Chinese commitment to tackling climate
change at home, as well as its refusal to provide aid to poorer nations

CHINA CHINA and the US agreed at the COP27 sum- US President Joe Biden and Chinese counter-
mit to resume climate talks, after discussions part Xi Jinping likewise indicated that relations
WHAT: ended over tensions following US Speaker of the between the two countries had thawed earlier
China views itself as a House Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Tai- this month.
developing nation, and wan in August. But the world’s two biggest green- UN head Antonio Guterres called for a “cli-
therefore does not feel house gas (GHG) emitters still remain are odds mate solidarity pact” between developed and
obliged to support poorer over Beijing’s perceived lack of effort in tackling emerging economies at COP27, amid increased
nations tackle climate climate change domestically, and helping to fund calls from the US and other global leaders for
change. poor nations deal with their emissions. China to do more to confront its climate foot-
The head of China’s COP27 delegation, Xie print. The agreement struck at the summit, if
WHY: Zhenhua, said over the weekend that he and finalised, will involve richer countries that have
A landmark agreement John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy for failed to provide $100bn annually for climate
was reached at COP27 on climate, had enjoyed “very constructive@ dis- mitigation and adaptation to the developing
richer nations providing cussions at the summit. “We have had a close and world as promised at the 2014 Paris summit, to
this support to the active dialogue, that was overall very construc- pay for global warming that cannot be avoided
developing world. tive. [We want to] ensure the success of COP27 through mitigation, adaptation or any other
and exchange opinions on our differences.” measures. The EU is looking to
WHAT NEXT: His statement to journalists reflected a warm, But China and the US remain in disagree-
Beijing shows no sign of personal dialogue. “I have a lot of respect for Mr ment over the issue, threatening to derail the
altering its stance. Kerry. I admire his professional attitude and love. accord altogether. While Washington has
We have been working together for 20 years and expressed more willinging to pay for developing
share a common wish,” he said. countries than before, Beijing is yet to make any

P4 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 46 21•November•2022