In a renewed diplomatic push, European Union Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has called on China to take a leading role in the global effort to cut emissions, urging the world’s top carbon emitter to reduce its coal dependency and demonstrate climate leadership ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil. Hoekstra made the appeal during high-level discussions in Beijing, as both sides attempt to deepen cooperation on environmental goals amid escalating concerns over the worsening climate crisis.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, Hoekstra emphasized that the EU remains open to forging a joint climate declaration with China, but cautioned that such a partnership would depend on Beijing’s willingness to commit to concrete, ambitious emission reductions. “We are running out of time,” Hoekstra said, noting the urgency of global coordination as extreme weather events surge worldwide.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a troubling trend. According to a recent Greenpeace report, China approved 11.29 gigawatts of new coal-fired power capacity in the first quarter of 2025 alone more than what was sanctioned during the entire first half of 2024. This aggressive coal expansion has raised alarms among European policymakers, who fear it could derail global efforts to meet the 1.5°C target under the Paris Agreement.
Climate policy experts observing the talks have stressed that the path forward must involve a coordinated roadmap between the EU and China. Analysts believe that only a bold shift from China particularly in announcing a timeline to retire coal infrastructure can restore global confidence and set the tone for COP30. The EU, they say, must also play a role in this transition by offering clean energy cooperation, technological support, and climate finance that encourages Beijing to act faster.
The broader climate community is also urging the two powers to deepen their collaboration on innovation in low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and advanced battery systems. Many experts suggest that enhancing transparency around China’s coal pipeline and aligning its national carbon market more closely with the EU’s Emissions Trading System could lay the groundwork for stronger global climate governance.
With only months to go before the Brazil climate summit, there is growing consensus that EU-China relations could shape the outcome of global climate negotiations. The European Commission’s outreach signals not just concern, but also a strategic opportunity if China chooses to act decisively.
“The credibility of the world’s climate commitments hinges on what the major economies do next,” said a senior EU official involved in the talks. “China has the scale and influence to turn the tide. Now is the time for leadership.”