On September 24, President Xi Jinping delivered a video address at the United Nations Climate Change Summit, announcing China’s new round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This marks the first time China has explicitly set an absolute reduction target for greenhouse gas net emissions in its international commitments, signaling a significant shift in the country’s climate governance approach.

In his address, Xi stressed that China will make the utmost effort to fulfill the goals of the Paris Agreement and unveiled a series of new medium- and long-term commitments: By 2035, China’s economy-wide greenhouse gas net emissions will fall by 7%–10% from their peak level, with efforts to achieve even greater reductions. Non-fossil fuels will account for over 30% of total energy consumption. Wind and solar power capacity will expand to more than six times the 2020 level, striving to reach 3.6 billion kilowatts (3,600 GW). Forest stock volume will rise to over 24 billion cubic meters. New energy vehicles will become the mainstream of new car sales. The national carbon emissions trading system will cover all major high-emission sectors. A climate-resilient society will be essentially established by 2035.

Xi emphasized that these goals are set in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement and represent China’s “maximum effort.” He noted that achieving them will require China to undertake arduous efforts while also relying on a favorable and open international environment. Xi also called on the international community to stay the course, maintain confidence, continue action, and intensify efforts, so as to foster a more equitable and reasonable global climate governance framework.

The NDCs are climate action targets set by each Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in light of their national circumstances.

Compared with previous commitments, the new round of NDCs represents a major breakthrough. China had earlier pledged to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The latest commitments, however, mark the first time China has specified an absolute reduction percentage for emissions after the peak, filling the gap between the 2030 peak and the 2060 neutrality goal with a quantified mid-term target.

According to Chai Qimin, Director of the Strategy and Planning Department at the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, this is the first time China has proposed a comprehensive package of post-peak targets covering economy-wide and all greenhouse gas net emission reductions. The plan systematically incorporates multi-dimensional indicators such as energy and industrial transformation and policy innovation, signaling that China has embarked on a new, more holistic, and resilient path toward low-carbon development, and will contribute positively to the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.

China has already made substantial progress in addressing climate change. As of the end of August 2025, the country’s total installed capacity of wind and solar power exceeded 1.69 billion kilowatts, more than tripling the level at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Analysts note that, given China’s leading progress in renewable energy deployment and electric vehicle promotion, the country may well exceed its stated targets.

Green and low-carbon transition is the trend of the times. Although some countries are moving against the tide, the international community should adhere to the right direction. At the critical juncture of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, China’s newly announced systemic goals demonstrate confidence and determination in advancing green and sustainable development, injecting new momentum into global climate governance and cooperation.

Author：Qinger