China pledged on Wednesday to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035, marking the first time the world’s largest emitter has committed to actual reductions rather than slowing growth.
Speaking via video at a climate summit hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Xi Jinping outlined plans to expand wind and solar power capacity sixfold within a decade, raising non-fossil fuels to more than 30% of China’s energy mix.
“Green and low-carbon transformation is the trend of our times,” Xi said. “Despite some countries going against the trend, the international community should stay on the right track.” His comments were widely seen as a rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump, who a day earlier dismissed climate change as a “con job” and withdrew Washington from the Paris Agreement for the second time.
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Mixed reaction to China’s pledge
Observers had expected Beijing to aim higher, with some calling the 7%–10% cut underwhelming given China’s rapid growth in renewable energy and electric vehicles. As reported in Reuters, Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society, said the move was cautious but reflected Beijing’s preference for “steady, predictable decision-making.”
Still, analysts noted that with the U.S. pulling back, China’s dominance in green technology could push it into a stronger global leadership role on climate policy.
Wider commitments, shortfalls remain
Other nations also announced new targets ahead of November’s COP30 summit in Brazil.
- Brazil committed to a 59%–67% emissions cut by 2035 and stronger efforts against deforestation.
- Australia pledged to slash emissions by 62%–70% below 2005 levels by 2035.
- Palau, speaking for small island states, promised a 44% cut from 2015 levels.
The European Union has yet to finalize its new target but expects a 66%–72% reduction by 2035, while staying on track for its 55% cut by 2030.
Despite these pledges, climate scientists and campaigners warn global action remains insufficient. Guterres said progress since the Paris Agreement has lowered projected warming, but the world is still on a 2.6°C trajectory — far above the treaty’s 1.5°C goal.
“Now, we need new plans for 2035 that go much further, much faster,” he urged.
