Climate cooperation is a vital part of China-U.S. relations and a key consensus reached by the two leaders, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday, calling for further joint efforts to tackle global challenges.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, made these remarks during his meeting with U.S. Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy John Podesta in Beijing.
During the meeting, Wang noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. He emphasized that over the past 45 years, both nations have learned they should be partners, not rivals, complementing rather than viciously competing with one another, while ensuring consistency between words and actions.
Wang highlighted that President Xi Jinping has outlined three guiding principles for U.S.-China relations: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He reiterated China’s commitment to working with the U.S. to foster healthy, stable, and sustainable ties.
On climate change, Wang stressed that it benefits both the present and the future, as it concerns the fate of humanity and the planet. He reaffirmed China’s dedication to green development and deepening reform in ecological conservation, emphasizing that the goals set during the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be achieved.
"Engaging in climate change dialogue and cooperation is not only an important part of U.S.-China relations, but also a key step in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of states during their San Francisco meeting. Since the beginning of this year, we have seen both sides' climate teams maintain close communication, leading to some practical cooperation results," Wang said.
He also expressed hope that the U.S. will maintain policy stability, respect China’s legitimate concerns, avoid protectionism, and refrain from overextending the concept of security, while working together to address global challenges.
Podesta echoed Wang's remarks, emphasizing that climate cooperation is central to the consensus reached by the two leaders and is a critical part of U.S.-China relations and global multilateral efforts.
"We can find places to cooperate for the good of our people and the good of our planet," said Podesta, adding that the U.S. is willing to strengthen communication and engage in constructive cooperation with China.
Climate cooperation remains key to China-US Relations: Chinese FM
