China has taken a more prominent role in business and diplomacy at COP30 amid the absence of the US. Beijing’s diplomats have been active in behind-the-scenes roles previously typically filled by Washington, while green industry activity has had a “highly visible” role in China’s engagement.
The country’s pavilion this year also occupies a prime spot beside that of host country Brazil.
At COP30, Chinese companies in the clean energy, digital technology and electric mobility sectors have launched products and delivered presentations at side events, or featured prominently in other ways. Alibaba’s global research institute announced an upgrade to its AI-based long-term weather prediction model, for instance, while BYD provided a fleet of plug-in hybrid vehicles to ferry delegates around in, Reuters reported. The State Grid Corporation of China and CATL also held events, while solar company LONGi released its latest climate action white paper.
Amid the absence of a high-profile US delegation, California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was in attendance, warned that the US risked losing out in renewables and EVs unless it addressed China’s dominance in manufacturing and supply chains, Reuters noted.
Chinese diplomats were also reportedly active in informal consultations, with one Brazilian official telling the outlet that China played a central role in helping reach an agreement regarding the COP30 agenda before negotiations began.
Yet more publicly, Beijing reiterated calls for developed countries to “take the lead” on emissions reduction and financial commitments. China also failed to make a monetary contribution to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) – which provides financial incentives for countries to protect their tropical forests – even as it expressed support for the initiative.
China’s updated NDC in September drew mixed reactions, with an emissions-reduction target of 7-10% from peak levels by 2035. Kate Logan and Li Shuo of the Asia Society described it as a “conservative pledge” that “misses a chance at leadership”.
Still, China was keen to emphasise its role among emerging markets. Discussions around South-South cooperation, green finance and the building of a “Green Silk Road” – via the greening of Belt and Road Initiative projects – featured prominently at the China Pavilion during the first week of COP30.
China’s latest white paper on its actions to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon peaking, released days before COP30, notes that it has mobilised about RMB 177 billion (USD 24.9 billion) in climate-related South-South cooperation project funds since 2016, having signed memoranda of understanding with 43 countries.
Read Dialogue Earth’s analysis on whether China can share its green expertise with the Global South.