China says global efforts to combat climate change will continue despite the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, as governments prepare for this year’s U.N. climate negotiations.
Speaking at an international climate meeting co-hosted by China, the European Union and Canada, Chinese Environment Minister Huang Runqiu described the global transition toward low-carbon development as irreversible and said global climate cooperation would continue regardless of the non-participation of the U.S.
Climate policy remains a major area where China and Europe continue to pursue shared objectives despite broader geopolitical disagreements.
No other country has followed the U.S. in leaving the agreement, and the global climate framework remains intact. International attention has now turned to the next round of U.N. climate negotiations. COP31 will be held in Antalya, Turkey from 9th to 20th of November, 2026.
China has also forcefully argued that the U.S. war on Iran has strengthens the case for accelerating the global energy transition. China is the world’s largest investor in renewable energy and leads global deployment of solar power, wind energy and electric vehicles. According to Chinese officials, the Middle East energy crisis demonstrates how renewable energy and electrification can improve both climate outcomes and energy security.
China, the European Union and other major economies are expected to push for continued implementation of Paris Agreement goals. China’s message reflects its position as the leading defender of international climate cooperation post the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement climate negotiations
The U.S. war on Iran has unexpectedly strengthened China’s argument. For many countries, including China, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels is now seen not only as an environmental objective but also as a strategic and economic necessity.
The absence of the U.S. will undoubtedly affect global climate negotiations on financing and emissions reductions. However, China’s comments indicate that China and other major economies are determined to prevent Washington’s withdrawal from derailing the broader climate agenda.
Source (edited from): Modern Diplomacy, June 22, 2026. https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/22/china-says-global-climate-action-will-continue-despite-us-exit/
