China Praises COP26 as an "Unprecedented Decision" Despite Xi Jinping's Absence

On the 13th, Xie Zhenhua, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change, was in conversation with John Kerry, the U.S. President's Special Envoy for Climate, at COP26. (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Chinese state media praised the joint declaration of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) as a good outcome achieved through unprecedented determination by developing countries such as China and India.

In an editorial on the 15th, the Global Times stated, "The 200 participating countries seized the final and best opportunity at COP26," adding, "They agreed to maintain the important goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels."

It further praised, "Especially the unprecedented determination shown by developing countries including China and India demonstrated the urgency of climate issues and stimulated alignment between promises and actions."

China, the world's largest carbon emitter, maintained its existing stance at the conference that carbon emissions will peak by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, ultimately rejecting pressure to bring forward these targets.

Pan Zahua, Director of the Urban Development and Environment Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, mentioned India, which set a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070, saying, "All participating countries at COP26, especially developing countries, showed unprecedented ambition and determination to address climate change."

He added, "This goal is almost impossible for India, which relies on coal for 75% of its development," praising it as "a very valuable determination." He also pointed out, "It is unfair to demand a complete halt to coal use from developing countries like China and India, as they are not starting from the same starting line as Western countries."

This Chinese evaluation contrasts with Western assessments that the Glasgow agreement lacks binding force, making its implementation uncertain and insufficient for responding to the climate crisis.

The US Wall Street Journal (WSJ) criticized the agreement for lacking a practical enforcement mechanism, merely requiring new plans "as needed," and giving countries too much discretion over what more they should do.

It pointed out that the clause promising further carbon emission reductions by the end of next year ultimately means falling significantly short of the levels needed to achieve the 2015 Paris Agreement targets.

UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres also expressed concern in a statement after the announcement of the agreement, saying, "The agreement is a compromise. It reflects today's global interests, conditions, contradictions, and the state of political will," adding, "It is an important step but not enough. It is time to switch to emergency mode." He further noted, "Our fragile planet is hanging by a thread. We are still knocking on the door of climate disaster."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.