Wang Yi Meets with U.S. Senior Advisor John Podesta to Discuss Climate Cooperation

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, met with John Podesta, U.S. Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, on Friday to discuss enhancing cooperation on climate change, marking a key moment in China-U.S. diplomatic relations.

Wang Yi, who serves as China’s foreign minister and is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the significance of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the United States. Reflecting on the past four and a half decades, Wang emphasized that China and the U.S. should view each other as partners rather than rivals. He stressed that mutual success should be the goal, avoiding harmful competition.

Wang reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with the U.S., aligning with the important consensus reached by the two presidents during their meeting in San Francisco. He underscored the importance of finding a constructive path forward for the stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Focusing on climate change, Wang noted China’s commitment to green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. He emphasized that climate cooperation is a key aspect of China-U.S. relations and critical to implementing the agreements made by both heads of state. Wang pointed out that the teams from both nations have achieved a series of practical cooperation outcomes this year in addressing climate issues. He urged the U.S. to maintain policy stability, respect China’s concerns, and avoid protectionism, calling for a joint effort to tackle the global climate challenge.

John Podesta acknowledged the importance of climate cooperation between China and the U.S., reiterating that this collaboration is a central component of their bilateral relationship and of global multilateral efforts. He emphasized that the partnership between the two nations not only benefits their people but also has the potential to contribute significantly to global welfare.

Podesta expressed the U.S. commitment to strengthening communication and coordination with China, engaging in constructive cooperation to address climate change and other global challenges.