China Pledges Emissions Cuts by 2035 but Faces Questions Over Ambition

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new climate commitments at the United Nations climate summit this week, pledging that China will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7% to 10% from peak levels by 2035 [1]. Speaking via video from Beijing, Xi underscored China’s vision of a “green and low-carbon transformation” and urged developed nations to take stronger action, in a veiled rebuke of the United States, which has rolled back commitments under the Paris Agreement [2].

The plan includes a dramatic expansion of renewable energy. Xi said China aims to increase its installed wind and solar capacity to more than six times its 2020 level within a decade, and to raise the share of non-fossil fuels in its domestic energy mix to over 30% [1]. These measures build on China’s earlier pledge to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 [2].

Reactions to the announcement were mixed. Environmental groups welcomed China’s recognition of the urgency of climate action but described the pledge as modest compared to its clean energy capacity. Li Shuo of the Asia Society said Beijing’s target reflects “steady, predictable decision making” but ultimately underwhelms given China’s rapid deployment of renewables and electric vehicles [1][2].

The announcement came in contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump’s UN speech a day earlier, where he dismissed climate change as a “con job” and criticized renewable energy investments [1][2]. Analysts noted that Washington’s retreat from the clean energy transition could leave space for Beijing to claim a stronger role in global climate leadership.

Other leaders at the summit pressed for more ambitious steps. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva praised China’s cooperation on climate and forest preservation but stressed that COP30 in Belém this November will be “the hour of truth” for world leaders to show they believe the science [2]. Meanwhile, the UN’s António Guterres warned that current pledges still fall short of preventing catastrophic warming, urging countries to go “much further, much faster” [1].

As the world’s largest emitter, China’s moves carry global significance. While its 2035 targets may appear cautious, its investments in renewable energy and international partnerships could push momentum forward, provided that the gap between ambition and action can be narrowed.

References
[1] Channel News Asia. China plans 7% to 10% greenhouse gas reduction by 2035, Xi tells UN. September 24, 2025. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sustainability/china-climate-goals-reduce-emissions-clean-ener-gy-un-5367456
[2] South China Morning Post. China pledges to cut its climate emissions by 7 to 10%, Xi tells UN. September 24, 2025. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3326747/china-pledges-cut-its-climate-emissions-7-10