China\u2019s deputy UN envoy Geng Shuang delivered a sharp rebuttal to U.S. climate policy accusations during a Security Council meeting on Thursday, framing the exchange as a pivotal moment in global climate diplomacy. The debate unfolded as Washington criticized Beijing\u2019s environmental strategies while positioning itself as a \u201cmodel\u201d for emissions reduction.
U.S. representative Dan Negrea claimed China \u201cundercut economic competitors\u201d to gain unfair advantages, urging nations to follow American leadership. Geng countered by highlighting China\u2019s role in driving 30% of global economic growth annually and its below-average per capita emissions. \u201cChina is a doer in climate action,\u201d he stated, emphasizing its \u201cfirm will\u201d in meeting emission targets.
In a pointed critique, Geng referenced an unnamed Security Council permanent member \u2013 widely understood to be the U.S. \u2013 that \u201cwithdrew twice from the Paris Agreement,\u201d calling it a \u201cmajor step backward.\u201d He urged nations to reject blame-shifting, asking: \u201cWho is taking action? Who is disrupting cooperation? The world sees clearly.\u201d
The envoy concluded by advocating for multilateral collaboration, stressing that \u201cglobal climate governance requires solidarity, not finger-pointing.\u201d The exchange underscores deepening geopolitical tensions as nations prepare for COP29 climate talks later this year.
