Introduction
On September 24, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a significant video address at the UN Climate Change Summit, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. This address comes at a critical time as the world focuses on enhancing global climate governance and reinforcing commitments to sustainable development.
Key Themes from Xi Jinping’s Address
President Xi highlighted several vital themes during his speech that resonate with international efforts toward climate change mitigation:
1. Confidence in Green Transformation
Xi emphasized the necessity for unwavering confidence in the green and low-carbon transformation. He acknowledged that while some countries might resist this trend, the global community must remain steadfast in pursuing sustainable initiatives. “We must keep our direction steady, our actions ongoing, and our efforts strong,” he declared. This call to action aims to inspire nations to formulate and implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) effectively.
2. Responsibility and Fairness
A critical element of Xi’s message was the promotion of equity and justice in climate actions. He urged that the rights of developing countries to pursue sustainable growth should be respected, and that global green transformation should help reduce the North-South divide rather than exacerbate it. “Developed countries must fulfill their responsibilities by reducing emissions first and providing financial and technical support to developing nations,” he asserted.
3. Deepening International Cooperation
Xi called for enhanced international collaboration on green technology and industries. He stressed the importance of filling the green capacity gap and ensuring that high-quality green products circulate freely around the globe. This cooperation is essential for making green development beneficial for every region, thereby promoting a collective response to climate challenges.
China’s New National Commitments
In his address, Xi Jinping outlined China’s ambitious new commitments for its NDC. By 2035, China aims to:
- Reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions by 7%-10% from peak levels.
- Achieve a non-fossil energy consumption share of over 30%.
- Expand installed solar and wind power capacity to over six times the level of 2020, targeting 360 GW.
- Increase forest stock volume to over 24 billion cubic meters.
- Transition new energy vehicles to mainstream sales.
- Establish a nationwide carbon trading market covering major polluting industries.
- Develop a climate-resilient society.
These goals reflect China’s alignment with the Paris Agreement’s targets and demonstrate the country’s commitment to making substantial efforts towards sustainable practices.
Conclusion
President Xi’s address was a clear call to action for all nations to work together in combating climate change. He reiterated China’s determination to meet its commitments while acknowledging the necessity for a favorable international environment to achieve such goals. The vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature was a central theme, urging collective responsibility to safeguard our shared planet.
This summit not only serves as a reminder of the ongoing climate crisis but also emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time.
