Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a landmark video address at the 2025 UN Climate Summit in New York, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement with bold commitments to accelerate global climate action. Speaking to world leaders gathered during the UN General Assembly, Xi framed climate change as "the defining challenge of our time" requiring shared leadership and concrete cooperation.
Ambitious Targets, Measured Progress
China pledged to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels by 2035 while expanding non-fossil fuels to over 30% of its energy mix. The world's second-largest economy aims to achieve 3,600 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity – six times 2020 levels – alongside expanding carbon trading systems and increasing forest stock to 24 billion cubic meters.
Three Pillars of Climate Action
Xi outlined a roadmap emphasizing confidence in green transformation, differentiated responsibilities between developed and developing nations, and open collaboration on clean technology. "Climate change is not a competition but a shared responsibility," he stated, urging wealthier countries to support emerging economies through financing and technology transfers.
Global Reactions
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the commitments, noting global temperature rise projections have improved due to national climate plans. However, he stressed the need for accelerated action. Analysts highlight China's role in driving down renewable technology costs, with the country accounting for over half of global solar and wind investments since 2015.
As vulnerable nations from Pacific islands to drought-stricken regions of Asia and Africa intensify climate demands, Xi's address positions China as both a stakeholder and solution-provider in the energy transition. With its expanded renewable infrastructure and carbon market mechanisms, Beijing appears committed to transforming climate vision into actionable frameworks for international cooperation.
