EU Delays Signing Climate Action Pledge with China Ahead of Diplomatic Summit

The European Union is withholding its signature on a joint climate action pledge with China ahead of a summit marking 50 years of diplomatic relations, demanding that China commit to greater greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Despite China's notable progress in increasing nonfossil fuel usage and reducing carbon intensity, the EU insists on more ambitious mutual commitments before agreeing to the declaration. The EU's hesitation is influenced more by geopolitical tensions, particularly differing stances on the Ukraine crisis, than dissatisfaction with China's climate efforts. Chinese officials reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate with the EU on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a green transition, emphasizing support for multilateralism and the Paris Agreement. The EU faces a September deadline to submit new 2035 climate targets to the United Nations and is focused on ensuring any joint agreement with China contains substantive ambition and measurable outcomes. However, China's challenge in balancing economic growth with environmental goals raises concerns about meeting its current carbon intensity reduction targets.