(PatriotWise.com) — US Climate Envoy John Kerry wrapped up a three-day visit to China on Wednesday after holding meetings with Beijing officials to “rebuild trust” so the US and China can make “real progress” in the fight against climate change, Reuters reported.
Kerry is the third administration official to travel to China in recent weeks following visits by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
On Tuesday, Kerry met with Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi where he reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to stabilizing the relationship between the United States and China. Kerry told Wang that the president hopes that by working together, the US and China can “achieve efforts” that “make a significant difference to the world” according to the Associated Press.
Kerry told Wang that President Biden “values his relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and “looks forward” to moving ahead and changing the “dynamic” between the two countries.
The climate czar also paid a visit to Beijing’s newly appointed Premier, Li Qiang.
Li, the second-highest official in the Communist Party, told Kerry that the US and China should closely cooperate on the challenges posed by climate change.
Kerry expressed support for cooperation between the US and China to address climate change “with the urgency it requires.” He lauded the previous agreements with China to reduce methane output, address deforestation, and transition away from coal. He told Li that things have changed and the “predictions are much more serious” today.
After three days of meetings, Kerry said there was more to be done to reach agreements with Beijing on climate issues.
Kerry said both sides agreed that climate change is an urgent issue and they must remain committed to “keep 1.5 alive.” This is a reference to the pledge to keep global temperatures from increasing by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.
Climate talks between the US and China were suspended nearly a year ago after former speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.
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