Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with John Podesta, senior advisor to the President of the United States on international climate policy, on Friday in Beijing. The meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing dialogue between China and the U.S. on climate change and bilateral relations.
Wang Yi emphasized that China and the U.S. should view each other as partners rather than rivals. “We should achieve mutual success, not engage in vicious competition,” Wang stated. He stressed the importance of consistency in words and deeds, highlighting Beijing’s willingness to work with Washington towards healthy, stable, and sustainable bilateral ties.
The foreign minister referenced the consensus reached at last year’s meeting between the leaders of the two countries in San Francisco, noting that China is committed to advancing this understanding. He underscored that addressing climate change is a shared responsibility that benefits both humanity and the planet. “China is committed to the path of green, low-carbon, and sustainable development,” Wang added.
Wang Yi pointed out that dialogue and cooperation on climate change are integral to China-U.S. relations and are essential measures to implement the leaders’ consensus from San Francisco. He highlighted the series of achievements in practical climate cooperation between the two nations this year. “China hopes the U.S. will maintain policy stability, respect China’s legitimate concerns, avoid protectionism, and work with China to jointly address global challenges,” he said.
John Podesta echoed the sentiment of cooperation, stating that collaboration on climate change represents an important consensus reached by the two heads of state and a key component of U.S.-China relations. “The collaboration between the United States and China will not only benefit the people of both countries but also bring more welfare to the world,” Podesta remarked.
He affirmed that the U.S. is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China and to cooperate in a constructive manner. The meeting signals a positive direction in the relationship between the world’s two largest economies as they tackle global environmental challenges.
Reference(s):
Chinese FM Wang Yi meets top U.S. climate official in Beijing
cgtn.com
