Eco-Business

Asia Pacific‘s leading platform for sustainable development

China wants to lead the climate agenda on its own terms – exporting clean tech and influence, while sidestepping tougher cuts and accountability.

16 十二月 2025

Given that China is the world’s largest emitter and has a high carbon intensity, some assume that its trade war with the United States, which has shifted production to third countries, would have environmental benefits. In fact, the conflict has increased carbon dioxide emissions in developing and advanced economies alike.

China’s climate pivot has been shaped by its survival strategy, and this is now quickly redefining its resilience in the 21st century. Whether that power endures will depend on Asean – arguably China’s closest testbed for clean energy development. The recent Asean Summit and Apec meetings suggest China’s successes in climate and development will see a far larger reach beyond its shores.

EU_China_Climate_Cooperation_Solar_Panels

With America having abandoned global leadership – especially on climate change – cooperation between China and Europe has become even more important. To reduce tensions and deepen ties, policymakers in two of the world's three largest economies should address four priorities.