China Asserts US Will Eventually Return to Global Climate Dialogue at COP30 Summit

During the COP30 climate summit, China expressed confidence that the United States will eventually rejoin climate discussions, according to statements made by Beijing's delegation head to AFP on Wednesday.

The chief delegate emphasized that the global community must demonstrate that the transition toward greener practices "cannot be reversed."

Historically, collaboration between China and the United States—the world's largest economies and top greenhouse gas emitters—has been crucial in breaking stalemates during negotiations at the annual United Nations climate conferences.

However, President Donald Trump's administration, having withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, has opted not to participate in this year's conference held in Belem, located in Brazil's Amazon region.

"Every country needs to address climate change. We hope and believe that at some point in the future, the US will return," stated Li Gao, who also serves as a deputy environment minister, in his interview with AFP.

While the Trump administration promotes fossil fuel usage and dismantles green technology policies established by former President Joe Biden, China continues to lead globally in renewable energy installation and electric vehicle adoption.

Li indicated that China's main objective at COP30 is to support Brazil's presidency "alongside others to convey a powerful political message that the green low-carbon transition cannot be reversed" and that "international cooperation must not be diminished."

"It is essential that participating nations demonstrate political solidarity and commit to collaborative efforts addressing climate change, ensuring this COP focuses on implementation," he added.

Li urged countries to "avoid the negative consequences of geopolitical unilateralism or protectionism."

A central topic of discussion at the Conference of the Parties in Belem concerns funding mechanisms to assist developing nations in transitioning to green energy and adapting to climate change impacts.

Last year's COP29 in Baku concluded with developed nations agreeing to provide $300 billion annually in climate finance to developing countries by 2035—an amount widely criticized as insufficient to address the challenge.

They also established a less specific target of helping mobilize $1.3 trillion annually from combined public and private sources.

A report released jointly by COP29 leadership and Brazil's COP30 presidency indicates that the world possesses all necessary tools to achieve this target.

"We welcome the report regarding the $1.3 trillion, but we consider it crucial that developed countries fulfill their $300 billion commitment, as this represents their responsibility," Li stated.