China calls for unity and cooperation on climate change at UN Security Council

China's deputy envoy to the UN on Thursday called on the international community to strengthen cooperation and build resilience to address the security risks associated with climate change, ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which opens in Brazil on Thursday.

Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on climate and security, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said that climate change "has already caused, is currently causing, and will continue to cause major impacts on the development of all countries and on people's lives." He said global climate governance "has never been as urgent and important as it is today."

Geng noted that the COP30 summit is expected to play a key role in advancing the implementation of the Paris Agreement and shaping the direction of global climate action for the next decade.

"China will continue to play a constructive role, work with all parties to support Brazil in hosting the conference, and jointly promote positive outcomes," he said.

He pointed out that climate change can interact with existing vulnerabilities and contribute to instability, especially in regions where livelihoods depend heavily on natural resources.

"In recent years, regions such as the Sahel and Central Africa have suffered frequent floods and droughts," Geng said. "These have intensified competition over resources, increased hunger and displacement, and raised the risks of insecurity and instability."

He emphasized the need for financial and technological support to developing countries. "The international community should provide adequate funding, technology and capacity-building assistance to help countries integrate climate response into their national development plans," Geng said.

He called on developed countries to "fulfill their obligations to take the lead in emissions reduction, honor financing commitments and enhance technology transfer."

Geng also called for broader cooperation on green development. "Countries should work together to advance green technologies and industries and ensure the free flow of high-quality green products," he said.

During the meeting, Geng also responded to remarks by the United States related to national emissions levels. "China does not deny that it is currently the world's largest emitter," he said. "But China is also widely recognized as one of the countries most determined and active in fulfilling emission reduction commitments."

He noted that China has a population of 1.4 billion and the world's second-largest economy, and its per-capita emissions remain lower than those of many developed countries.

"On the question of who is taking action and who is avoiding responsibility, the international community has a clear view," he said.

"China hopes that the international community will uphold science and cooperation on climate issues and work in unity to jointly address this serious challenge facing all humankind," he said.

Geng reiterated that cooperation should remain the foundation of the global climate response. "In facing a challenge that concerns all of humanity, what we need is unity, not accusation," he said.