John Kerry Reveals that His Climate Mission to China Did Not Meet Expectations

John Kerry, the special climate envoy for the United States, concluded his trip to Beijing on Wednesday by admitting that no agreement was reached with China in terms of future efforts to reduce carbon pollution.

China is the largest contributor of greenhouse gases in the world.

‘More Time’

According to Politico, Kerry stated that more work needs to be done to break the negotiation deadlock between the world’s two biggest greenhouse gas producers. Further discussions are planned for the future.

In fairness to China, ANY John Kerry visit is useless. So, yeah, there’s that. https://t.co/eWBH6FnwCy

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) July 17, 2023

According to an outlet, Kerry mentioned that both nations have committed to ongoing meetings and discussions on climate issues. This is a small step in the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild relations with the Chinese government under Xi Jinping.

Vice President Han Zheng, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency, emphasized to Secretary of State John Kerry that dealing with climate change is crucial for China-U.S. cooperation, but it depends on mutual respect.

According to the Associated Press (AP), Kerry stated that progress on climate change must be based on the U.S. commitment to key concerns that affect both countries. He emphasized the importance of active participation and exchange of ideas.

John Kerry said the “biggest thing” he’s doing in his “lifestyle” to combat climate change “is traveling around the world, trying to do diplomacy” on climate. https://t.co/YJvPAe2q5S

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) October 28, 2021

During his visit to China this week, John Kerry assured Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, that the Biden administration is “strongly committed” to repairing relations between the two largest economies in the world and restoring high-level meetings.

Lowest Points

As per the AP, the relationship between the two countries has hit its lowest point in history during the Joe Biden administration. Disagreements over tariffs, technological access, human rights, Chinese claims in the South China Sea, and concerns about Taiwan’s sovereignty have contributed to this decline.

John Kerry, following the visits by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is the highest-ranking member of the Biden administration to visit China. No senior Chinese officials have visited the U.S. since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019, which originated in China.

This article appeared in NewsHouse and has been published here with permission.