China leads the shift away from fossil fuels, and other nations must follow to avoid falling behind economically, according to former US secretary of state John Kerry, The Guardian reported.
As Cop31 opens in Turkey, global climate watchers are tracking whether Beijing will finally step into a leadership role it has long avoided. In its latest five-year plan adopted in March 2026, China pledged for the first time to actively participate in and lead global climate governance.
Clean-Tech Export Growth
Green energy remains a vital component of the export engine that has kept China’s post-pandemic economy on track. Clean-tech exports surpassed $220bn in 2025, according to The Guardian.
China accounts for roughly 85% of solar and 80% of lithium-ion battery supply chain production capacity. Nearly 75% of electric cars were manufactured there in 2025, The Guardian reported.
Global Economic Realities
Other countries, including the US under Donald Trump, have fallen badly behind in renewable deployment, Kerry said. He warned they would lose out economically and endanger the climate unless they embraced low-carbon power and rapid electrification.
“The only country that has hugely accelerated is China. The rest of the world is stumbling along while Mother Nature is sending us more powerful signals every week, every day,” Kerry told The Guardian.
China Urges Cop31 to Discuss Green Technology Flow
China has urged Cop31 to discuss the free flow of green technology amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts, referencing US and EU tariffs on items like electric vehicles. China faces a distinct question about whether to lead out of self-interest rather than obligation, according to Li Shuo from the Asia Society Policy Institute, as reported by The Guardian.
Beijing views the energy transition as central to economic modernization and energy security, said Kevin Tu from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, according to The Guardian. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have hardened that stance by disrupting oil and gas supplies.
Emissions have trended flat or falling since March 2024, Carbon Brief analysis shows. State media frequently showcase Chinese renewable projects in countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kenya.
Beijing May Bid to Host Cop33 in 2028
China has historically held back from agenda-setting at climate summits due to an aversion to prescriptive outside targets and a desire to balance divergent interests among global south partners. Analysts are watching for signals of whether Beijing will bid to host Cop33 in 2028.
Common Climate Summit Questions
What is the primary focus of Cop31 in Turkey?
Cop31 focuses on implementation and acceleration of the global green transition, with attention centered on whether China will assume a leadership role in global climate governance.
How much did China’s clean-tech exports reach?
China’s clean-tech exports surpassed $220bn in 2025, according to data reported by The Guardian.
What percentage of solar production capacity does China control?
China accounts for approximately 85% of solar and 80% of lithium-ion battery supply chain production capacity.