On April 23, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Leaders’ Meeting on Climate and Just Transition via video conference, delivering a comprehensive speech on global climate governance and development issues. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the speech carried not only symbolic weight but also reflected the foundational pillars of China’s global environmental policy vision and its self-positioning in the international arena. The four main themes outlined in Xi’s speech illuminate both the normative and strategic foundations of China’s approach to global governance.
The first theme emphasized by Xi was the principle of multilateralism. His emphasis on the protection of the UN-centered international system and the rule-based international order continues China’s recent rhetoric regarding the “preservation of global order.”[i] While Xi pointed to the unilateral and protectionist policies of certain major powers, it is clear that this criticism stems from China’s discontent with the sanctions and trade policies spearheaded by the United States. Xi’s discourse of “trust, solidarity, and cooperation” embodies China’s ambition to portray itself as a constructive actor on the international stage. This stance bolsters China’s normative claims in addressing global challenges such as climate change and offers a foundation of legitimacy, especially in its relations with developing countries. In this context, Xi’s call for “all countries to uphold the rule of law, fulfill their commitments, prioritize green and low-carbon development, and respond to the climate crisis through multilateral governance” serves not only as an environmental appeal but also as a reference to international governance norms. Through such rhetoric, China seeks to position itself as a responsible power that fulfills its obligations and promotes collective solutions to common challenges. This strategy also aims to legitimize China’s rising global status in contrast to the West. These normative expressions contribute to deepening positive perceptions of China, particularly among developing nations.
The second prominent issue highlighted by Xi was China’s commitment to international cooperation and the global sharing of environmental technologies. His reference to the “free flow of high-quality green technologies” was more than a normative statement—it reflects China’s strategy to increase its export capacity in the field of environmental technology and to disseminate its own technological standards on a global scale.[ii] By encouraging the circulation of these technologies, China aims to shape global demand for environmentally responsible solutions, thereby reinforcing its leadership in the global market. These strategic objectives in the environmental technology sector also serve to increase China’s influence in both global economic and environmental governance.
Xi’s third emphasis regarding climate change centered on the concept of a just transition—an indication of China’s effort to adopt a human-centered perspective in its climate policy.[iii] By highlighting the need to balance “environmental protection, economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation,” Xi revealed China’s adoption of a holistic development model that incorporates not only environmental sustainability but also economic and social welfare. This approach underscores the notion that environmental transformation must rest not only on ecological but also on socio-economic foundations. The underlying principle is the inclusive design of green development strategies and the reduction of social inequalities throughout the transformation process.
Xi’s criticism of developed countries emerged as a strategic discourse to strengthen China’s position in global climate politics. References to the historical responsibility of developed countries served to align China with developing nations, asserting that these countries deserve more support and resources in combating climate change. This rhetoric demonstrates China’s efforts to shape global demands for justice and equity in a way that aligns with its own interests and to establish itself as a more influential actor in international diplomatic platforms.
The fourth and final element emphasized by Xi was a call for action with concrete results. This signals China’s ambition to go beyond rhetoric and play a more operational role in global environmental governance.[iv] Xi’s commitment to present updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the Belém Summit by 2035 represents a step toward greater transparency and the articulation of tangible commitments. It also marks a strategic move to assume a more ambitious leadership position in the fight against climate change and to increase the recognition of China’s environmental policies at the international level. China seeks to present its domestic achievements in greenhouse gas emission control and renewable energy capacity as a global success story. Publicizing its goals in this area is an important step both for transparency and for demonstrating China’s intent to act as a more active and responsible stakeholder in global climate governance.
Furthermore, Xi’s remark that the “harmony between humanity and nature” constitutes a “defining feature” of Chinese modernization reflects China’s effort to integrate environmental concerns into its broader development narrative.[v] The speech was supported by tangible data on China’s green energy investments, afforestation efforts, and leadership in the new energy industrial chain. Lastly, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” reiterated by Xi underlines that while China does not assume equal obligations with developed nations, it does not intend to abstain from supporting global efforts.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping’s speech delivered on April 23, 2025, clearly demonstrates China’s strategic vision in the realm of global environmental policy and the fight against climate change. China is committed to promoting international cooperation as a proponent of a multilateral global order and aims to reinforce its leadership in environmentally friendly technologies. Furthermore, by underlining the importance of a just transition, China adopts a development model that incorporates not only environmental sustainability but also social and economic dimensions.
Ece ÖNÜR
[i] “Şi Jinping addresses Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition, urging jointly advancing global climate governance”, Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, https://www.mps.gov.cn/n2255079/n6865805/n7355748/n8012154/c10057138/content.html, (Access Date: 05.05.2025).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.