With the United States absent from the global climate summit for the first time in three decades, China took center stage at COP30, held Nov. 10 to 21 in Belem, Brazil, positioning itself as a driving force both in negotiations and on the exhibition floor.
The shift in leadership was visible the moment delegates entered the riverside complex. China’s pavilion, beside that of host nation Brazil, buzzed with activity. Inside, executives unveiled AI-powered climate modeling tools and electric vehicles designed for tropical environments. Outside, BYD plug-in hybrids ferried attendees between halls, turning a simple shuttle service into an understated display of industrial reach. The setup signaled a country intent on leading with hardware, software, and scale.
The change was even sharper behind closed doors. In past years, U.S. envoys often brokered early compromises and set the pace of the talks. This time, Chinese diplomats filled that space, according to multiple participants. A Brazilian official credited Beijing with helping assemble the agenda before negotiations began, a task Washington once handled. “Water flows to where there is space,” said Francesco La Camera, director general of the International Renewable Energy Agency. “Diplomacy often does the same.”
That space widened under President Donald Trump. A longtime critic of climate policy, Trump again withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement and declined to send a formal delegation to COP30. California Governor Gavin Newsom attended in an unofficial capacity and issued a stark warning about the stakes. “China gets it,” he said. “America is toast competitively, if we don’t wake up to what the hell they’re doing in this space.” China’s industry showcase, however, outpaced its public pledges. An updated emissions plan released in September set an emissions-reduction target of 7-10% from peak levels by 2035, which several analysts criticized as conservative. China also did not provide funding to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which rewards nations for safeguarding their tropical forests, despite voicing support for the program.
Beijing framed its role through a different lens, emphasizing solidarity with the Global South and a focus on delivery over declarations. Panels on South-South cooperation, green finance, and lower-carbon Belt and Road projects drew standing-room crowds at the Chinese pavilion. In addition, days before the summit, China published a white paper citing $25 billion in climate-related partnerships with 43 countries since 2016.
“The most powerful country isn’t the one with the loudest microphone at COP,” Li Shuo of the Asia Society said, “but the one actually producing and investing in low-carbon technologies.”
Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1764893129/1613367592
1. What criticisms did analysts make regarding China’s emissions-reduction target for 2035 and climate pledges?
2. Where was COP30 held, and how did the location influence China’s public displays of leadership?
3. Which technologies did China showcase to highlight its climate initiatives and industrial capabilities during the summit?
4. How did Chinese diplomats influence the pace and agenda of negotiations compared to previous U.S. leadership?
1. Who would you want to collaborate with if given the opportunity to lead a major international initiative like China at COP30?
2. Would you invest time in green technologies if your community encouraged environmental initiatives actively?
3. Do you discuss environmental issues with friends or family to encourage positive changes together?
4. How do you stay informed about environmental issues and climate-friendly solutions personally?
With the United States absent from the global climate summit for the first time in three decades, China took center stage at COP30, held Nov. 10 to 21 in Belem, Brazil, positioning itself as a driving force both in negotiations and on the exhibition floor.
