• China pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% by 2035 during a UN climate summit.
• This marks the first time China has committed to an absolute emissions reduction target.
• Global reactions include disappointment over the modesty of the target and calls for stronger commitments.
• U.S. climate policy under President Trump contrasts sharply with China's new goals.
• China aims to increase renewable energy capacity significantly as it moves towards its climate objectives.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at a UN climate summit that China plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels by 2035, marking a pivotal moment as it's the first absolute emissions cut commitment from the world's largest emitter. Xi called for global cooperation, criticizing "some countries" for regressing on climate efforts, implicitly referencing the U.S., whose leadership is increasingly viewed as a barrier to global climate progress, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

China also committed to increase its installed wind and solar capacity to over six times 2020 levels, aiming for a non-fossil fuel share of over 30% in domestic energy consumption by 2035. These targets arise as the world grapples with climate change, especially following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which originally aimed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Commentators note that China's commitment, while historic, is seen as lackluster compared to what is needed for global climate targets, indicating a need for more decisive action from major emitters like China and the U.S., as explained by Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Despite the moderate nature of the target, environmental advocates express hope that China could exceed this commitment due to its rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies. However, experts also warn that without a substantial and immediate shift in policy direction, achieving true climate goals remains unlikely. The European Union expressed criticism of China's intentions, labeling their emissions reduction target as "disappointing" and "well short" of what is necessary for global climate progress, as per statements from EU climate officials, reported by Reuters and India Times.

The contrast between China's commitment and the U.S.'s recent retreat from climate action underlines the shifting dynamics of global leadership on this critical issue. As the world prepares for the COP30 climate summit in Brazil later this year, many nations emphasize the need for increased ambition and collaboration. Xi's remarks framed a clear call for developed nations to do more in the transition to cleaner energy, while Trump's characterization of climate science as a "con job" further complicates international efforts, echoing sentiments expressed at the UN by leaders from various nations, reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.