Merkel, Macron and Xi hold climate talks, look to improve ties between E.U. and China
The President of China – Xi Jinping on Friday, i.e., April 16, 2021 told the Chancellor of Germany – Angela Merkel and President of France – Emmanuel Macron that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with France and Germany to cope with climate change.
The meeting which was held virtually is also seen as an attempt by Merkel and Macron of improving ties with China. It is to be noted that China is the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and would achieve a peak in carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
Announcing the meet on twitter, the Spokesperson of China – Hua Chunying tweeted,
President Xi just had a video conference with French President Macron and German Chancellor Merkel. pic.twitter.com/bacS9flNpv
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) April 16, 2021
Speaking on the occasion, Xi said, “Responding to climate change is a common cause of all mankind and it should not become a geopolitical bargaining chip, a target for attacks on other countries or an excuse for trade barriers.”
The video summit coincided with the visit of United States (U.S.) special climate envoy – John Kerry to China who was there to hold climate discussions with his Chinese counterpart – Xie Zhenhua.
During the meet, Xi assured the European counterparts that Beijing would create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies and hopes Europe can treat Chinese companies in the same positive way.
Xi said that China will continue to promote the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement and stay actively engaged on climate change. The leaders agreed to jointly implement the Paris Agreement and build and fair and equitable system for mutual cooperation. They also agreed to enhance dialogue on climate policy.
The climate meeting is also seen as an effort to ensure that European Union (E.U.) – China Investment deal is not abandoned following the recent tension and sanctions arising out of E.U.’s accusation of human rights violation in far western region of Xinjiang where China is accused of ill-treating Uyghur Muslims.
Europe has vowed to base future relations with China on a strategy of “Cooperate, compete and confront”, with climate being viewed as one of the few areas in which cooperation is currently possible. The meeting has been termed as a regular preparatory session ahead of next week’s Earth Day when 40 world leaders will discuss climate issues over 2 days from April 22 in an event hosted by President of the U.S. – Joe Biden.
It is also seen as Europe’s way of remaining in the driving seat on climate issues. Brussels was the main sponsor of multilateral climate change efforts during former U.S. President – Donald Trump’s tenure, when Washington expressed least interest in environment
Europe has also admitted that global targets on climate issues will be impossible to achieve without the involvement of China, the world’s most populous nation and second biggest economy. China’s involvement is key to achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement, not only because of China’s position as the world’s largest emitter, but also because of its regional influence through the Belt and Road Initiative.
