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US and rest of world must follow China’s lead on green energy, says John Kerry
John Kerry said other countries, including the US, need to follow China’s lead in shifting from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy. He argued that countries which delay risk losing economic opportunities as well as worsening climate risks, while China’s clean technology industry gives it growing influence ahead of Cop31 in Turkey.
China’s five-year plan, adopted in March 2026, pledged for the first time to help lead global climate governance. Clean technology exports exceeded $220bn in 2025; China has about 85% of solar and 80% of lithium-ion battery supply chain production capacity, and made nearly three-quarters of electric cars. Beijing wants Cop31 to address the free flow of green technology amid trade tensions, including US and EU tariffs.
In short
- Kerry urged countries to follow China’s clean energy shift.
- China’s clean tech exports topped $220bn in 2025.
- Cop31 may show whether Beijing will take a climate leadership role.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Following China’s lead on low-carbon energy could help other countries cut emissions while capturing economic opportunities in fast-growing clean technology industries. China’s scale in solar, batteries and electric vehicles shows how sustained investment can build industrial capacity and influence, and international cooperation on technology could make the transition more affordable.
The case against
China’s industrial dominance does not by itself show that its policies are suitable for other countries, whose energy systems, economic priorities and security concerns differ. Relying heavily on Chinese supply chains may create strategic vulnerabilities, while calls for freer technology trade can conflict with domestic industry protections and concerns about fair competition.
Explained simply
Countries are trying to cut greenhouse gas emissions, chiefly by replacing coal, oil and gas with cleaner energy such as wind and solar power. John Kerry, a former US climate envoy, is urging governments to move faster, arguing that the shift also brings economic opportunities.
China is a major maker and exporter of solar panels, batteries and electric cars. Its latest five-year plan says it aims to play a leading role in global climate policy, while governments in the US and Europe have raised concerns about imports and imposed tariffs.
The debate is expected to feature at Cop31, the United Nations climate summit due to take place in Turkey. Discussions about access to green technology matter because countries need equipment and investment to cut emissions, while trade disputes can affect how easily those products cross borders.
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