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As world leaders gather in Dubai for the highly anticipated COP29 climate summit, the focus is once again on global cooperation and meaningful actions to combat climate change. However, China has made its position unmistakably clear on two significant aspects: it opposes adding debt-related discussions to the official climate agenda, and it highlights its own contributions, particularly through its small-scale climate projects in African nations.
The backdrop to China’s position is set by its recently released “China’s Policies and Actions to Address Climate Change 2024 Annual Report,” published last week. The comprehensive report not only underscores China’s achievements in tackling climate change but also outlines its vision for future global climate governance. The report has drawn both interest and debate due to Beijing’s clear stance on debt discussions and its critique of certain policies by Western nations.
One of the most notable elements in China’s approach ahead of COP29 is its firm opposition to introducing debt-related issues into the climate discourse. The Chinese government has expressed that such topics are more appropriately addressed through existing mechanisms, such as bilateral arrangements or dedicated economic forums. Beijing has emphasized that blending debt discussions with the climate agenda could create unnecessary complications and divert focus from the core objectives of the summit.
A spokesperson for the Chinese delegation explained, “Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. Introducing debt issues at COP29 would not only shift attention from urgent climate goals but could also politicize an already complex process. Debt restructuring and relief are important topics, but they have established platforms where they can be better addressed.”
This position resonates with the long-standing Chinese view that climate negotiations should remain distinct from other geopolitical and economic concerns. Beijing argues that maintaining a sharp focus on mitigation, adaptation, and technology transfer ensures that progress on climate change is not hindered by unrelated political disputes.
The Emphasis on ‘Small and Beautiful’ Projects
While its stance on debt discussions has stirred debate, China’s efforts to showcase its international climate initiatives have also come into the spotlight. The 2024 annual report highlights the ‘small and beautiful’ projects that China has spearheaded in Africa—initiatives designed to support local communities in building resilience and adapting to climate impacts.
These projects, as outlined in the report, range from the installation of solar panels in rural villages to reforestation programs and the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Through these endeavors, China seeks to demonstrate that climate action can be impactful at a grassroots level, benefiting communities directly without the red tape associated with larger, multinational efforts.
Over the past decade, China has signed 52 climate cooperation agreements with 42 developing countries, including 17 African nations. These agreements emphasize practical support, such as sharing technology and providing funding for renewable energy projects. In Kenya, for instance, Chinese-led solar power installations have brought electricity to thousands of homes previously off the grid, empowering residents and creating new economic opportunities. Similar projects in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania have helped communities reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and adapt to changing climate conditions.
Chinese officials argue that such projects exemplify a model of international cooperation that is both efficient and mutually beneficial. “Our initiatives in Africa and other developing regions show that climate cooperation does not always have to be large-scale to be effective,” noted Zhang Wei, an environmental policy analyst at Tsinghua University. “These smaller projects bring immediate relief and demonstrate what can be achieved with the right partnerships.”
Criticism of Western Policies
Alongside showcasing its successes, China’s report takes a critical stance toward what it describes as “unilateral and protectionist measures” from the U.S. and Europe. According to Beijing, these policies undermine global efforts by prioritizing national interests over collective climate action.
The report points out that protectionist trade practices, such as imposing tariffs on imports that do not meet certain environmental standards, can stifle international cooperation. China argues that such measures create divisions and hinder the sharing of crucial green technologies that developing nations need to implement effective climate strategies.
China’s concerns extend to the financial mechanisms championed by Western powers, which Beijing claims often come with restrictive conditions that limit their accessibility to developing countries. In contrast, China promotes a model that prioritizes partnership without the heavy strings attached. This model is exemplified through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has increasingly incorporated green development as part of its framework. By integrating renewable energy projects, eco-friendly infrastructure, and other sustainable practices into BRI partnerships, China aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
The Role of African Nations in Climate Discussions
The participation of African nations at COP29 holds particular significance. Many African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. For these nations, securing funding for adaptation and resilience is crucial.
China’s focus on smaller-scale projects in Africa aligns with the continent’s priorities, as leaders from these countries have repeatedly called for more targeted and immediate support. The collaborative projects under the Sino-African agreements are seen as examples of how international partnerships can be tailored to address specific local needs without requiring complex, large-scale funding arrangements that often take years to materialize.
Experts from African climate research institutions have noted that while major international funding mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund are vital, they are often slow-moving. In contrast, China’s targeted approach brings visible, timely benefits to communities. “The value of these projects lies in their simplicity and direct impact,” said Dr. Adebayo Oluwole, a climate economist in Lagos. “They might not grab headlines like multibillion-dollar pledges, but they make a tangible difference.”
China’s Broader Climate Strategy
China’s climate policies are not without challenges. Domestically, Beijing has faced criticism for its continued reliance on coal, the mainstay of its energy grid. However, the Chinese government has emphasized its gradual transition toward renewables, highlighting investments in solar, wind, and hydropower projects.
The annual report reaffirms China’s commitment to reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060—an ambitious target given the scale of its economy and population. The report underscores that China has been accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies at an unprecedented pace, from electric vehicles to solar panel production, where it leads the world.
As COP29 unfolds, China’s dual focus on showcasing its successful small-scale projects and maintaining a sharp stance against broadening the summit’s agenda to include debt discussions reflects its strategic approach to global climate policy. While emphasizing cooperation and mutual benefit, China seeks to carve out a leadership role that aligns with its vision for equitable and effective climate action. How this stance will play out in the broader negotiations at COP29 remains to be seen, but it is clear that Beijing is committed to promoting its model of partnership while pushing back against elements it views as detracting from essential climate goals.
As global leaders deliberate in Dubai, the Chinese example—blending pragmatic action with a focus on developing nations—could influence how other participants approach the balance between ambition, practicality, and international cooperation.
