US and rest of world must follow China’s lead on green energy, says John Kerry

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1. 1h ago

   John Kerry urges world to follow China's green energy lead at COP31

   Former US climate envoy John Kerry said China now leads globally on green energy while the rest of the world is "stumbling along," urging nations to follow Beijing's example. The remarks came during the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, where Chinese officials and experts highlighted the country's clean energy transition and record-breaking clean tech exports. Multiple reports indicate China's renewable energy deployment and manufacturing scale are reshaping global climate efforts, though domestic coal use remains high.

   Why it matters

   Kerry's endorsement marks a notable shift in US-China climate rhetoric, acknowledging China's dominant position in solar, wind, battery and EV supply chains. The COP31 setting underscores Beijing's growing influence in climate diplomacy as it pushes to meet carbon neutrality before 2060. Western nations face pressure to accelerate deployment and reduce reliance on Chinese technology.

   What is confirmed

   • John Kerry stated China now leads on green energy and the rest of the world is "stumbling along."
   • COP31 climate conference is taking place in Antalya with Chinese officials highlighting clean energy progress.
   • China's clean tech exports are at record levels and reducing global emissions according to reports.
   • China aims to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 supported by technology deployment.

   Still unconfirmed

   • China provides certainty for global climate governance according to Chinese state media.
   • Xi Jinping is personally advancing global climate cooperation through diplomatic channels.

   What to watch next

   • US-China climate working group meetings scheduled for early 2027
   • China's next five-year plan targets for renewable capacity and coal phase-down
   • COP32 host selection and agenda-setting for loss-and-damage implementation
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.theguardian.com — AI godfather Geoffrey Hinton: ‘We’re creating alien beings. I’m willing to be selfish and choose humans’ | Donald Trump
   2. The Guardian — US and rest of world must follow China’s lead on green energy, says John Kerry
   3. Reuters — How China’s clean-tech machine is reshaping the global climate fight
   4. CGTN — Watch: From Chinese practice to global action
   5. Asia Times — China’s a green-tech superpower, but not yet a green civilization
   6. China Daily — Technology can help nation achieve carbon neutrality before 2060: Report
   7. Table.Briefings — China at COP31: Why Beijing is heading to Antalya with little pressure
   8. China Daily — China provides certainty for climate governance
   9. Anadolu Ajansı — China's clean energy transition gains momentum as officials, experts at COP31 climate conference highlight global impact
   10. News4JAX — China's record-breaking exports of clean tech are making a big dent in emissions, report says
   11. The Hill — John Kerry says China now leads on green energy: ‘The rest of the world is stumbling along’
   12. China Daily — China pledges continued ecological conservation and climate action at COP31
   confidence 88%