Chinese ambassador rejects overcapacity allegation

China

Chinese ambassador rejects overcapacity allegation

2024-04-23 11:36 Last Updated At：04-24 19:11

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has dismissed the U.S. allegation of China's "industrial overcapacity," saying the problem is "over-anxiety."

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Harvard Kennedy School China Conference 2024 on Saturday, Xie said that global green capacity is in dire scarcity.

He also said that setting green trade barriers would only increase the costs for low-carbon transition, and also slow down the global development of clean energy.

"To combat climate change, resources across the world should be fully mobilized. Globally, green capacity is not excessive, but in dire scarcity. The problem now is not 'overcapacity,' but 'over-anxiety.' Calling for stronger climate response on one hand, but erecting green trade barriers on the other would only raise the costs for one's own low-carbon transition, and also slow down the global development of clean energy. Global public goods offered by China including the BRI are open to all sides. We are willing to coordinate with the United States and jointly explore third-party market cooperation. Will the U.S. side also welcome China to be part of its multilateral initiatives?" said Xie.

Xie called for cooperation in a turbulent world.

China focuses on achieving Chinese modernization at home and forges a community with a shared future for mankind abroad, Xie said.

"The world is again at a crossroads, all countries are in the same boat. Amidst the raging torrents, we need to pull together, not pull apart. China's choice is clear and firm: At home, we'll focus on achieving Chinese modernization. Internationally, we'll forge a community with a shared future for mankind. The world will be better only when all get better. Modernization should not make the rich richer and the poor poorer in China and globally alike. No country should be left behind in the process of global modernization," said Xie.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables accounted for 43 percent of the global installed power capacity by the end of 2023. Solar and wind power were the two leading the growth of renewable energy capacity.

However, the current status is still far from the COP 28 target, which is for the installed renewable power capacity to reach 11 terawatts by 2030 to help contain global warming. That means the world needs 1,000 more gigawatts of renewable capacity each year for the rest of this decade.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth

2024-07-27 02:52 Last Updated At：05:17

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.