Environment · 2026-10-30 · Afternoon briefing

China to press West on climate finance at COP31

China's environment vice-minister, Li Gao, has outlined Beijing's priorities for the upcoming COP31 climate summit. He called for an "open and efficient" trade system for clean energy technologies while criticising what he termed the "insufficient emission reduction efforts by developed countries" and their "inadequate financial support" for the developing world.

On finance, China has not provided new figures on its own contributions since it announced at COP29 that it had mobilised 177bn yuan ($26.5bn) for developing countries since 2016. At COP31, Beijing is expected to seek more clarity on the implementation pathways for a separate $300bn global climate finance goal, a key point of contention between nations.

The focus on open trade for green tech follows China's success at last year's COP30, where it helped secure a formal dialogue on unilateral trade measures. At that same summit, it also co-led a methane initiative with Brazil and the UK, cementing its role as a key, and often critical, voice for the Global South.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

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• China signals intent to push back against cleantech tariffs at COP31
• China vows to actively promote climate talks at upcoming COP31
• EU Climate Chief Rules Out Fresh Finance Pledges at COP31
• What’s at Stake at the Next UN Climate Summit (COP31)? Experts Weigh In
• The pre-COP31 finance meeting no one is talking about

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