Climate change remains a central focus of U.S. policy in its engagement with China. Over the past decade, bilateral discussions have yielded significant diplomatic achievements, such as securing the 2015 Paris Agreement and increasing global efforts to address climate change. However, recent tensions between the two nations have affected progress in this area, introducing new challenges and reinforcing existing ones.
China is the largest carbon emitter globally, primarily due to its reliance on coal. Unlike developed countries like the United States, China's emissions have not yet peaked. Its international commitment is to peak carbon emissions by 2030, though the lack of specificity creates uncertainty for climate projections.
Despite high emissions, China has made substantial contributions to combating climate change. Last year alone, it deployed nearly 300 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar energy—a record amount—and surpassed its 2030 target for wind and solar capacity. Additionally, over half of all vehicles sold in China are now electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
China leads in clean energy equipment manufacturing, producing a majority of the world's electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. This dominance has led to cost reductions globally and influenced energy policies worldwide. However, concerns about energy security have prompted China to continue relying on coal, leading to increased coal power generation and new coal-fired plant permits.
The United States faces different challenges in meeting its climate targets. Although progress is being made towards its 2030 carbon emissions goal, further efforts are needed to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035. Policies like the Inflation Reduction Act have subsidized clean technology deployment and domestic production, aiming to reduce supply chain risks.
For both nations, there is an advantage in leading new energy technologies as they work towards decarbonizing their energy sectors by mid-century. While Chinese firms excel in mature clean tech products like solar and wind technologies, U.S. firms are positioned to compete in emerging areas such as hydrogen.
Bilateral climate discussions between the United States and China are guided by agreements from Glasgow (2021) and Sunnylands (2023), focusing on innovation despite geopolitical tensions. Efforts include controlling methane gas emissions and expanding greenhouse gas commitments under future Paris Agreement rounds.
International cooperation remains essential as both countries navigate trade remedies and technology restrictions related to clean energy policies. The United States aims to encourage China to set ambitious targets for 2035 while continuing discussions on reducing coal dependency within broader fossil fuel transition contexts.
In summary, managing political economies should not overshadow long-term global clean energy goals as both nations work through intense diplomatic negotiations.
