Former Chinese ambassador to revive climate negotiations with the EU

Former Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua, who was behind two important climate agreements with the US, will meet with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for a Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition, in Brussels on September 16.

The aim of the meeting is reportedly to revive stalled climate negotiations ahead of the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, in November.

Xie, who retired after COP28 in Dubai, will call on the European Union to set more ambitious climate targets and coordinate diplomatic efforts ahead of the preliminary climate conference at UN headquarters on September 24.

The UN recently called on major economies, including China and the EU, to submit new, stricter national climate plans in line with the Paris Agreement.

According to sources, the negotiations could also involve Chinese Environment Minister Huang Runqiu, but not current climate envoy Liu Zhenmin.

The COP30 summit faces challenges and low expected participation, with high hotel prices and the withdrawal of the United States from the negotiation process posing complications. China is expected to announce its new NDC climate plan by September 24.

(reuters, max)