China mulls bid to host 2028 UN climate talks, sources say

China is reportedly considering a bid to host the United Nations climate change conference in 2028, a move that could significantly bolster its international standing as a leader in combating global warming. The decision on whether to pursue hosting COP33 has not yet been finalized, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The UN's annual climate gatherings rotate among regional blocs, with the 2028 summit designated for the Asia-Pacific region. This follows India's withdrawal of its hosting offer earlier this year and South Korea's previous expression of interest. Hosting COP33 would present China with a platform to counter narratives that question its climate commitments, particularly in contrast to past US actions under the Trump administration.

Beyond its environmental diplomacy, hosting the summit aligns with China's economic interests. As the world's second-largest economy and a leading exporter of green technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles, China stands to benefit from showcasing its advancements. However, the prospect of hosting also brings scrutiny, as China remains the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter due to its vast population and manufacturing sector.

Geopolitical considerations, especially the complex relationship between the US and China, also play a role. Climate cooperation has historically been a point of engagement between the two superpowers. Hosting COP33 could potentially foster renewed collaboration, particularly if a Democratic president is elected in the US in 2028, a timeframe that coincides with the summit's likely occurrence shortly after the US presidential election.