Ban Ki-moon Highlights China’s Climate Leadership as a Bridge to Global Unity

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed that China’s “climate leadership” can help bridge global divides. In an article published in the South China Morning Post on May 23, 2025, he argues that clean energy and climate investments are not only urgent environmental priorities but also significant economic opportunities. China has emerged as a global leader in these fields.

About a decade ago, just before the G20 summit in Hangzhou, I witnessed a historic moment as the UN Secretary-General when leaders from China and the United States committed to joining the Paris Agreement. At that time, these two countries, the largest economies and carbon emitters in the world, not only expedited the approval process of the Paris Agreement but also marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of climate cooperation, showcasing a shared responsibility in the face of existential threats.

Today, the landscape has changed: the U.S. is gradually stepping back from the global climate stage, while China is stepping forward. As the world’s largest carbon emitter (in total emissions, not per capita) and a leader in clean energy manufacturing, China possesses unique advantages in promoting a green transition. This effort is not only a matter of responsibility but also aligns with China’s own interests. Last summer, the impact of climate change on China escalated, with extreme weather causing significant losses, serving as a strong warning. This highlights that decisive action against climate change is essential for enhancing national resilience.

At the same time, rising tariff barriers and increasing protectionism have intensified divisions and uncertainties. However, the trend toward a green transition can transcend political and economic differences, driving global progress. Clean energy and climate-smart investments are urgent environmental imperatives and represent significant economic opportunities. China is already leading in domestic renewable energy deployment and is now well-positioned to explore new frontiers in international investment.

Developing economies are ready to leap into a clean energy future, but they lack the necessary funding and technology to achieve this quickly and on a large scale. Without further support, these nations may find themselves locked into carbon-intensive development paths while the rest of the world moves away from high-carbon systems. China is in a position to bridge this gap: with its robust manufacturing capability, growing influence in the clean energy supply chain, and a decade of economic exchanges through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative with countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

If guided wisely, these advantages could allow China to become a responsible partner that listens to local priorities and focuses on long-term development. Simply exporting solar panels and wind turbines is not enough; the key lies in investing in clean energy industries that generate long-term economic value. China has already taken significant steps in this direction. Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested over $30 billion in global climate financing, making it the fifth largest provider of climate funds.

China supports the development of the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Pakistan, which is one of South Asia’s largest solar projects at 1,000 megawatts. In Laos, China is investing in a cascade hydropower project on the southern Mekong River, which consists of seven stations with a total capacity of over 1,200 megawatts. In Egypt, Chinese companies are leading the development of an 1,100-megawatt wind farm, which will become the largest onshore wind project in Egypt, providing clean electricity to over one million households and helping the country achieve its Paris Agreement goals. These are achievements to be proud of.

Currently, China is accelerating the establishment of green partnerships with emerging economies. In this process, China will not only promote the global decarbonization agenda but also redefine the concept of “climate leadership.” Climate leadership is no longer about grand rhetoric or negotiation skills; it is about taking action and setting rules for economic cooperation and technological exchange. Through recent high-level meetings with Latin American leaders and deepening partnerships with Brazil, China is signaling a shift toward South-South climate cooperation.

In addition to international efforts, domestic actions are equally crucial. China’s upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement should reflect greater ambition. Despite a continued surge in energy demand, China’s record growth in clean energy is gradually replacing fossil fuels. This will give China the confidence to set higher targets, including a commitment to halt the construction of new coal-fired power plants and to phase out coal over time.

Throughout my visits to China, I have been deeply impressed by the foresight of its leaders. In this moment of crisis and hope, China has an opportunity to lead by example with a long-term vision—not through confrontation, but through cooperation. This will demonstrate that even in a divided world, collaboration is still possible.

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