Kerry Sees Climate Cooperation as Path to Redefine US–China Ties

China’s motivation for tackling climate change remains a concern

U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry and China's top diplomat Wang Yi (R) shake hands before a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 18, 2023. Florence Lo/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said he hopes that climate negotiations could pave the way for improved ties with China. Still, critics claim that China’s ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses climate issues as a “bargaining chip.”

On July 18, Mr. Kerry held talks with the CCP’s top foreign affairs official, Wang Yi. The discussion marks the second day of bilateral climate meetings after Mr. Kerry spoke to his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, on Monday.