At COP28, China, the world's leading polluter, is taking on a surprising role "Moderator" Franceinfo

While an agreement is theoretically expected in Dubai on Tuesday morning, the weight of China is at the center of much discussion.

Published on November 12th, 2023 12:15 p.m. Updated on November 12th, 2023 12:18 p.m

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Chinese chief negotiator Xie Zhenhua at COP28 in Dubai on December 9, 2023. (WANG DONGZHEN/XINHUA)

China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Also because it is one of the “factories of the planet,” the Chinese remember. And yet the country is playing a “surprisingly constructive” role at COP28, observes a European negotiator. We even hear “a moderator” on a regular basis. “China seems to want an agreement on fossil fuels and is definitely doing everything for it,” says French Energy Transition Minister Agnès Pannier-Runachet.

China's chief negotiator Xie Zhenhua actually seems to be everywhere. He is a respected, experienced man: he was there during COP21 in Paris, remembers Hans Verolme, consultant for developing countries and expert on climate negotiations. “China has a lot of influence, especially on developing countries. And currently it is building bridges between states,” he says.

The Chinese Paradox

A major polluter, China is also a proponent of renewable energy, wind and solar power. Even if new coal-fired power plants continue to be built at the same time. “China has been taking climate change seriously for a long time. And that was a surprise for many,” says Hans Verolme. An example of this is the “Declaration that China and the US signed before the COP: 'Fossil fuels' must be reduced and replaced by renewable energy.

Since the COPs always have some surprises, we will undoubtedly have to wait for the final agreement, expected on Tuesday, to assess what influence China has had in these negotiations.