With Donald Trump's impending second term, China stands poised to enhance its influence in global climate policy, particularly as the U.S. is expected to withdraw from key agreements like the Paris Accord. Experts suggest that Trump's skepticism towards climate action could create a vacuum that allows China to assert itself as a leader in international climate finance and negotiations. Despite being the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has been positioning itself as a responsible player by promoting its investments in green technology. The upcoming COP29 summit in Baku is a critical juncture where China's climate officials are actively seeking to fill the leadership gap left by the U.S. The situation raises concerns about the potential delays in achieving global emissions targets as developing nations rely heavily on financial support from wealthier countries. Analysts warn that ceding leadership to China would be a significant error for the U.S. and could undermine global climate efforts.