IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha

China’s journey towards carbon neutrality: Six takeaways from recent white paper

The white paper titled, ‘Action Plan for Carbon Dioxide Peaking Before 2030’ begins with an inspiration from Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism and on ecological civilization. The paper promotes a systematic thinking and a balance between development and emissions reduction by utilizing nationwide planning, prioritising conservation, and coordinating domestic and international efforts among. Vigorous, effective and orderly work in the six observed areas form the core of the paper.

First, China pledges to shift to green and low-carbon energy.
The paper emphasizes on substituting coal and upgrading the energy sources to switch to low-carbon alternatives. Severe restrictions can be seen as part of the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plan in an attempt to phase-out outdated coal power and replace it with greener energy resources. The paper also stresses that these green energy resources should be utilised tactfully. Hydro power to be accommodated according to local conditions and even developing nuclear energy in a safe and systematic manner. Such a transition will help China in establishing a new electric power system that gives more responsibility to hydropower at provincial-level electrical grids. 

Second, The country reiterated support for energy saving and carbon emission mitigation.
The paper emphasizes implementation of energy conservation and carbon reduction projects in urban areas including heating infrastructure projects and green construction technologies. The section also calls for carbon reduction in industrial parks. The paper targets retiring outdated and less efficient equipment.

Third, China stressed the importance of green and low-carbon transportation.
It aims to upgrade old ships and develop new ones that use liquefied natural gas or electric power. Similar strategies will be applied to public service vehicles and railway systems. The paper declared that by 2030, 70 per cent of the transport will be environment friendly.

Fourth, China emphasized technology innovation for green purposes.
The paper gives significant attention to research and development, especially for key technologies to improve innovation mechanisms and systems. Testing, evaluation, and certification systems for technology as well as personnel in national laboratories will be boosted. Application based research to achieve new heights in low-carbon, zero-carbon, and carbon-negative equipment is intensive. 

Fifth, China is pushing for increased international cooperation.
The paper reiterates China’s will and capability to contribute its wisdom, approach and strength for a greener world. China vows to uphold multilateralism, a UN-led international system and fulfill its commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. China aims to do this by conducting green cooperation on business, technology, and finance. It even hopes to make BRI a green initiative and cooperate in major international scientific projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Project. 

Sixth, China is readjusting policy frameworks.
The paper also vows to develop and revise Chinese policies to support ecological goals. This includes developing a unified and standardized accounting of carbon emissions and providing energy consumption caps, energy efficient products, and announcing project construction standards. China will also revisit its economic policies and use green policy for electricity consumption in households as well. 

The paper is reflective of the responsibility that CPC carries for climate change and carbon-neutrality. It vows to hold accountable the regions, organisations, and individuals for failing to accomplish the set targets. 

References:
“Full Text: Action Plan for Carbon Dioxide Peaking Before 2030,” Xinhua Net, 27 October 2021
 

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
Chinese Foreign Minister made remarks on Dalai Lama and Tibet issue
On 10 November, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wenbin stated that the “door for talks between the Chinese central government and 14th Dalai Lama is always open.” The Ministry stressed that, “the talk could only be things related to the personal future of the Dalai Lama, rather than the so-called Tibet issue.” Wang further explained the ‘Dalai clique’ should abandon their idea of “splitting the motherland and stop related activities, and take concrete actions to win the trust of the central government and the Chinese people.” (“Talk between central govt and Dalai Lama only limited to his personal future: Chinese FM,” Global Times, 10 November 2021)

REGIONAL
Taiwan’s defense ministry released a report indicating China’s increasing cyber warfare targeting Taipei
On 10 November, Taiwan’s cyber security department director Chien Hung-wei declared that Taiwan’s government network faces “five million attacks and scans a day” from China. He said, “We are strengthening the government's defensive measures and collecting relevant data for analysis in a bid to stop the attacks when they are initiated.” On 9 November, Taiwan’s defence ministry released a report warning that China has been continuously increasing cyber-warfare to bring Taipei under the People’s Republic of China. (“Taiwan government faces 5 million cyber attacks daily: Official,” The Strait Times, 10 November 2021) 

Taiwan Affairs Office pushes for peaceful reunification
On 10 November, Global Times reported that China’s Taiwan Affairs Office responded to the US  officials' visit to Taiwan. The spokesperson of the Office Zhu Fenglian refuted possibilities of a potential war in the Taiwan Strait and expressed the Chinese government’s willingness to work towards a peaceful and nonviolent reunification of Taiwan with mainland China. She said: “We firmly oppose any form of official and military contacts between the US and China's Taiwan region. We urge some US congressmen to abide by the one-China principle and relevant provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués, and refrain from sending wrong signals to Taiwan secessionists, which will only further damage peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.” However, the government will not allow the secessionist activists to carry forward their efforts. (“Mainland to strive for peaceful reunification with sincerity, but leaves no room for secessionist activities: Taiwan Affairs Office,” Global Times, 10 November 2021)

Chinese Foreign Ministry warns the US from encouraging Taiwan independence movements
On 10 November, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin attended a press conference and urged the US government to stop encouraging the Taiwanese independence activists by visiting the island and meeting with the officials there. The sudden visit by the US lawmakers was condemned by the Taiwan Affairs Office for spreading false hope amongst the Taiwanese sessionist activists. Political analysts and experts believe that such actions by the US may lead to a faster reunification of Taiwan with the mainland. (“Mainland reacts strongly to US lawmakers’ Taiwan visit; Provocative moves may speed up reunification process: expert,” Global Times, 11 November 2021)

Japan’s new Foreign Minister advocates Japan- China ties as important
On 11 November, the new Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “Ties between Japan and China are increasingly important not just for our two countries, but for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community.” In his first news conference as Foreign Minister Hayashi stressed the importance of a stable relationship with China. He further added, “We need to assert and ask for responsible behavior while at the same time, maintain dialogue and firmly cooperate on shared challenges.” (“Japan seeks good China ties, "responsible behaviour" - new minister,” Reuters, 11 November 2021)

President Xi addresses the CEO forum on the APEC summit via video message
On 11 November, President Xi Jinping addressed the CEO Forum on the sidelines of the Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by New Zealand via recorded video message. During the message, President Xi expressed his opinion that the “Asia-Pacific region must not return to the tensions of the Cold War era.” According to Reuters, Xi’s remarks were a reference to the US with its allies and partners increasing activities in the region to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Xi Jinping pledged to rejuvenate economic reforms to join the Pacific Rim trade pact. Xi further said Beijing “will promote all-round opening-up of its agricultural and manufacturing sectors” and will further continue to expand the opening of China and treat domestic and foreign businesses equally. (“China's Xi warns against return to Cold War tensions at APEC meeting,” Reuters, 11 November 2021: “Xi Jinping, speaking at APEC, pledges market reforms in bid to join Asia-Pacific trade bloc,” South China Morning Post, 11 November 2021)

Foreign Ministry urges Japan to comply with China’s security concerns
On 11 November, the Director General of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Borders and Ocean Affairs held a virtual meeting with the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Head of the Office of Asian and Oceania Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi. The Chinese side urged the Funakoshi to strictly consider the sovereignty and security concerns of China and avoid taking unilateral actions in the South China Sea. The remarks were related to the issue of possession of the Diaoyu or Senkaku islands. The officials agreed to follow the four-point principled consensus, fortify communication and consultation on maritime issues and effectively handle differences between the two countries. (“China urged Japan to avoid actions that could complicate Diaoyu Islands and East China Sea issues, Global Times, 11 November 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
China attends meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Pakistan
On 10 November, Global Times reported that a Chinese representative would participate in the meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Pakistan. Representatives from the US and Russia will also attend the meeting. From the People’s Republic of China, the Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs Yue Xiaoyong will be representing the country and its perspectives on the Afghan plight. The meeting aims to discuss the need for creating an inclusive government in Afghanistan to ensure stability in the political arena and prevent terrorist outfits from settling in the country. China and Pakistan could not attend the meeting hosted by India on the same issue due scheduling issues. (“China to join Pakistan-hosted meeting on Afghanistan, skips India’s parallel conference,” Global Times, 10 November 2021)