Chinese vice president attends COP31 Antalya Leaders' Summit

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, as President Xi Jinping's special representative, attended the Antalya Leaders' Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) on Wednesday and delivered a national statement.

Han said that Xi has pointed out that responding to climate change is the common cause of all humanity, adding that the adverse effects of global climate change are becoming increasingly apparent.

In light of the new circumstances, Han put forward a four-point proposal.

The first is to stay focused on common goals and strengthen collective action.

He called for the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, so as to rally collective efforts in global climate governance.

Developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions and fulfill their climate finance commitments, Han said, stressing that all parties should make every effort to implement their nationally determined contributions and strive to do better.

The second is to accelerate the green transition and promote low-carbon development.

Efforts should be made to facilitate the free flow of high-quality green technologies and products, and promote the transformation and upgrading of the economic and industrial structures, Han said.

Noting that China has set targets for 2030, including raising the share of non-fossil energy in total electricity generation to 50% and increasing the share of electricity in final energy consumption to 35%, Han said that China remains firmly committed to achieving its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

The third is to prevent climate-related disasters and enhance climate resilience.

Equal importance should be attached to mitigation and adaptation, he said, adding that cooperation should be strengthened in areas such as disaster prevention and mitigation, monitoring and early warning, and disaster relief, so as to enhance climate adaptation capacity.

He noted that China is willing to promote the application of its intelligent meteorological early warning solution "MAZU" in more countries, helping them prevent and respond to climate risks.

The fourth is to adhere to openness and inclusiveness and deepen international cooperation.

He said that support and assistance to developing countries should be strengthened to jointly build a clean and beautiful world.

China has continued to promote South-South cooperation projects on climate change, such as the "Africa Solar Belt," and will launch the capacity-building project "Global South climate action leadership program," said the Chinese vice president, noting that China will also contribute to the fair and effective implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.