US climate envoy John Kerry conducted talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, in Beijing on Monday, marking a resumption of dialogue on the critically important issue of climate change for both countries, which are the world's largest polluters.
In response to a question during a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that climate change is a common challenge for all of humanity.
She added that China "will discuss climate change issues with the United States and work with them to confront the challenges and improve the well-being of current and future generations."
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had stated in an interview with CNN on Sunday that Kerry would urge China to not hide behind being a developing country in order to reduce its commitments regarding climate change.
Sullivan emphasized that "every country, including China, has a responsibility to reduce emissions" and further stated that "the world needs to encourage China more, and even put pressure on them, to take more stringent actions to reduce their emissions."
He pointed out that the world's second-largest economy still needs to do more in this area" and that Kerry would underscore this point during his trip to Beijing.
Kerry's visit to China will continue until Wednesday.
In recent months, visits by US officials to China have been taking place to improve diplomatic relations, ranging from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit in June to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit in early July.
The visit by the US official, Kerry, marks his third visit to China since assuming his position at a time when the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident with heatwaves occurring in numerous regions around the world.
The Biden administration considers climate change as an area in which two competing powers can cooperate.
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