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18 November 2021, Thursday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 41

China at COP26: Criticisms and response

China remained a controversy through the recent climate summit. Questions rise on China’s intentions for contributing to the global cause. Its reponses find logic and ground from undergoing actions.

IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha

China at COP26: Criticisms and response

As the recent Conference of the Parties 26 held in Glasgow concluded, many scholars and experts pointed out that the summit did not move much farther ahead for climate action. China being the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world did not help its case. However, delegations and experts from China strongly hold that the country is doing all it can for the cause.

Where do the faults lie?
Dissatisfaction and criticisms began as soon as it was announced that President Xi Jinping will not attend COP26 in person. President Xi has not left China and maintained a domestic work system since the pandemic spread. Additionally, as China has the highest emissions in the world and is also the largest consumer of coal for electricity and power purposes, there were great expectations from the country. Many scholars even opined that the country should reduce its target year 2030 to reach the peak of its emissions. Furthermore, China refrained from signing a few agreements during the summit. China refused to sign the Global Methane Pledge which was signed by more than 100 countries. It required the signatories to reduce their methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. China also did not sign the global coal pledge. Both India and China refused to sign this pledge that would refrain countries from building new coal plants. Further, on the last day of the summit, China also strongly opposed the usage of the term “phase out” and suggested “phase down” of coal in the final pact. These actions by China earned global criticism, including from former US President Barack Obama. China was expected to perform differently in the summit and yet its targets and cooperation fell short of these expectations.

How did China respond?
Despite these criticisms, China has continued to follow its path and has responded through various delegates. When China released its document on the Nationally Determined Contribution, it was criticized for not setting tighter targets. However, in the speech made by President Xi Jinping at the Glasgow summit, he emphasized on concrete actions and visions. He hinted that often targets are set but not met, while China has met all its targets. He also reiterated that China has followed all its obligations as per the Paris Agreement. In a response to a criticizing remark by President Biden, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: “What we need to deal with climate change is concrete action, not empty words. China’s actions in response to climate change are real.” China joined some 130 countries in a global deforestation pledge to stop and reverse deforestation by 2030. It also said that even though the country is not signing the coal pledge, it shall make its own plan to cut emissions. China also signed an unexpected bilateral Glasgow declaration with the US which mentioned cutting coal use and greater cooperation for climate action. Internally, China has brought down strict crackdown on its power plants and coal consumption. Many representatives from China, including Xie Zhenhua repeatedly point that the responsibility for climate action rests more with developed countries than with industrious countries like China. Yet, China has taken strong and substantial efforts to overcome the global problem, especially through its 15th Five Year Plan (2026-2030).

China is criticized for not caring about the warming world. Nonetheless, China has continued to take efforts according to its own vision and has followed through with its plans.

References:
Jesse Turland, “China Stresses Developed Nations’ Promises at COP26,” The Diplomat, 4 November 2021
Angel Hsu, “Don’t Be So Quick to Doubt China’s Climate Change Dedication,” New York Times, 7 November 2021
Aurora Almendral, “What did China say and do at COP26?,” Quartz, 15 November 2021
“Xi Jinping Climate Change Speech To COP26: Text And Analysis,” China Briefing, 2 November 2021

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
Chinese Premier reassures steady energy supply at World Economic Forum
On 18 November, People’s Daily referred to a statement made by the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the World Economic Forum and reassured the public regarding the supply of electricity in the country. Li said: “China has adopted a series of measures that effectively eased pressure on the supply of electricity and coal, and the country's future energy supply is guaranteed.” He also promised to actively work towards transitioning to a low-carbon transition in a balanced and orderly manner to ensure the steady supply of electricity. (“Premier pledges to expand opening-up,” People’s Daily Online, 18 November 2021)

Chinese aviation industry benefits local and global economy with green transition
On 17 November, Xinhua Net reported that China’s push for the green transition of the civil aviation industry was creating opportunities for the local as well as the global aviation companies. The Civil Aviation Administration of China stated: “The civil aviation authorities are committed to pushing forward the green transformation to ensure the industry's sustainable and healthy development.” The authorities have upgraded the infrastructure, operation management and have brought in enhanced technologies to reduce the carbon emission. (“China's green aviation prospect creates global opportunities,” People’s Daily Online, 18 November 2021)

TECHNOLOGY
Integration of 5G and industrial internet boosts China’s iron and steel industry
On 17 November, People’s Daily published an editorial on 5G technology boosting the efficiency of China’s iron and steel industry. The integration of 5G technology into the industrial internet has improved the quality of production in the iron and steel industry. In recent years, the application of products with big data-based functions such as control, troubleshooting, maintenance of equipment, and collaborative operation has helped companies with downtime of equipment, costs, and breakdown recovery. (“5G energizes China’s iron and steel industry,” People’s Daily, 17 November 2021)

REGIONAL
Hong Kong Special Administrative (HKSAR) responds to the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
On 18 November, the Hong Kong Special Administrative (HKSAR) government condemned and opposed the allegations by the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC). The statement came from a Hong Kong government spokesman urging the US to respect international law and basic norms governing international relations. The spokesman further added, “any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of China through Hong Kong will not succeed” reported Global Times. (“HKSAR condemns and opposes unfounded allegations made by USCC report,” Global Times, 18 November 2021)

Taiwan opens a de facto embassy in Lithuania
On 18 November, Taiwan opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania brushing aside China’s strong opposition. With the initial announcement of Taiwan’s embassy in Lithuania, China demanded Lithuania to withdraw its ambassador to Beijing and China would withdraw the Chinese envoy from Vilnius. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said that the opening of the office “charter a new a promising course” between Taipei and Vilnius. The ministry further added that “there was huge potential for cooperation in industries including semi-conductors, lasers, and fintech,” reported Reuters. (“Taiwan opens office in Lithuania, brushing aside China opposition,” Reuters, 18 November 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
China and Russia deepen cooperation on energy
On 17 November, the Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng and the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander conducted the 18th meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and encouraged the cooperation between the two countries on energy related issues. Zheng appreciated the relations between the two countries and hoped for continuing cooperation. He said: “under the leadership of the heads of state of the two countries, the energy cooperation between China and Russia has overcome the adverse effects of the pandemic and maintained a positive momentum of development, with trade in energy reaching a new high, major cooperation projects steadily advanced and new areas of cooperation emerging.” He called on Russia and China to deepen their cooperation on nuclear energy, oil and gas pipeline development and introduce new areas for the cooperation on energy. (“China vows to enhance energy cooperation with Russia,” Xinhua Net, 17 November 2021)

The US Congress debates to pass bill on China
On 17 November, over 85 members of the US Congress voted to pass a bill to boost the US competition with China. On the same day, Majority leader Chuck Schummer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi agreed to de-link the defence bill from the China legislation. The new bill seeks to include USICA, an act that approves funds for the continuation of scientific research that will rival China’s technological developments. However, there was a minor resistance to the inclusion of the act and the passing of the bill. (Andrew Desiderio, Marianne Levine and Connor O’Brien, “Senate advances defense bill after Schumer, Pelosi reach deal on China legislation,” Politico, 17 November 2021)

President Xi held a telephonic conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog
On 17 November, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephonic conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog regarding the bilateral relations between China and Israel. According to Xinhua, President Xi said, “China highly values its relations with Israel, and is ready to work with the Israeli side to bring more benefits to their people.” Xi discussed the mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the respective country’s internal matters. He stressed that China will deepen the cooperation with Israel in all sectors such as science and technology, agriculture, and health care and expand exchanges and cooperation. Israeli President said, “ Israel pays high respect for China's long history and splendid culture, and sincerely admires the development achievements made by the Chinese people under the outstanding leadership of President Xi.” Israeli President said, “Israel pays high respect for China's long history and splendid culture, and sincerely admires the development achievements made by the Chinese people under the outstanding leadership of President Xi.” (“Xi says China to continue promoting relationship with Israel,” Xinhua Net, 17 November 2021)

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