China's climate governance: Reinforcing global order through multilateral action

Editor's note: Zhang Wan is a current affairs commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

At the UN Climate Change Summit on Wednesday, the video address delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping once again clearly conveyed China's firm determination and practical approach to actively participating in global climate governance. The speech not only elaborated on the action goals and pathways of China's 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions, but also profoundly revealed the intrinsic connection between China's approach and the international order centered on the UN.  

China's solutions are not isolated but are deeply rooted in China's understanding, participation in and contribution to the existing international order. This reflects the systematic thinking and actionable wisdom of China, as a responsible major country, in addressing common challenges in globalization, thereby injecting valuable certainty and momentum into global climate governance at this critical juncture.

China's approach reinforces the existing international climate governance system, strengthening multilateralism and cooperation

The current international climate governance system, grounded in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, emphasizes the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities." President Xi reiterated in his address that "all countries should uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Developed countries should fulfill their obligation to take the lead in reducing emissions and provide more financial and technological support to developing nations."  

This is not merely a statement, China has been acting accordingly: Through concrete measures such as setting the "carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals," halting new construction of overseas coal-fired power projects, building the world's largest and most complete renewable energy industrial system and promoting the "Green Silk Road" initiative, China is substantively supporting the achievement of the Paris Agreement goals.  

This high regard for and strict adherence to multilateral rules serve as the strongest endorsement of the legitimacy and effectiveness of the current international order. It helps curb the erosion of unilateralism and protectionism in the global cooperative atmosphere, maintaining international unity on climate issues.

China's actions embody the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' highlighting the equitable core of the international order

The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" is a cornerstone of the international climate governance framework, acknowledging differences in countries' development stages and capabilities. As the largest developing country, China has consistently fulfilled its responsibilities in accordance with its national conditions.  

In his address, Xi announced China's new Nationally Determined Contributions, which strike a balance between development and emission reduction, short-term needs and long-term goals, demonstrating China's sense of responsibility and utmost pragmatism.  

This sends a clear message to the world: Addressing climate change does not require sacrificing development but rather achieving higher-quality development through green transformation. The path explored by China provides a valuable reference for other developing countries on how to tackle climate challenges while safeguarding their right to development.  

China's contributions drive global green transformation and enrich the cooperative dimension of the international order

The core of the current international order is cooperation, not confrontation. President Xi noted that "green and low-carbon transition represents the trend of our times," emphasizing the need to "uphold fairness and justice, fully respect the development rights of developing countries and use the global green transition to narrow, rather than widen, the North-South gap."  

This vision transcends the outdated zero-sum mentality, demonstrating the wisdom of addressing global challenges through win-win cooperation. With its advantages in renewable energy technology, market scale and manufacturing capabilities, China has become a key driver of the global green transformation.  

Through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition, China is sharing technology, funding and expertise with other countries. This cooperation-oriented "Chinese contribution" enriches the substance of international climate collaboration, transforming climate action from a burden-sharing exercise into a joint creation of new growth opportunities, thereby infusing the current international order with positive and constructive momentum.

The speech by the Chinese president at the UN Climate Summit served as a profound dialogue between China's vision and global concerns. It demonstrated that China's climate governance approach does not seek to start from scratch, but rather represents deep integration with, firm commitment to and innovative development of the UN-centered international order.  

At a time when globalization faces headwinds and geopolitics undergoes complex evolution, China, as a responsible major country, has inextricably linked its own destiny with global ecological well-being. Its solutions and actions not only serve the sustainable development of the Chinese nation but also align with the shared future of all humanity.  

By advocating for the establishment of a fair, equitable, and win-win global climate governance system, China is not merely an advocate but a steadfast practitioner. This commitment will undoubtedly inject stability and momentum into a world in flux.

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