Between Promises and Performance: Tracking China’s Green Paradox

This workshop will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss issues related to China’s role in climate action in light of the approaching COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. China is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming international climate negotiations due to the combination of its high greenhouse gas emissions, its technological development and investment, and the current geopolitical landscape.  The US’s reluctance in climate policy is likely to allow China to further expand its position as a key negotiating partner and strengthen its soft power as a “climate leader”. It is anticipated that China will advocate a technocentric approach to climate action, exporting its own development model and strengthening climate adaptation in the Global South through infrastructure investments.

As one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters, China is simultaneously expanding coal power and renewable energies in its own country and exporting large amounts of green  technologies (photovoltaics, batteries, green infrastructure components). The
workshop will discuss this green paradox by examine both China’s domestic situation and its global climate-related contributions, drawing conclusions for the EU.

Panel 1 will focus on current economic developments and the role of innovation, state subsidies and long-term roadmaps (for example, in the field of e-mobility and solar energy). How should we understand Chinas state-driven development model and
innovation system? What does this mean for the EU? What is the impact of the Chinese economy on international climate action?

Panel 2 will look on Chinese investments and ecological risks from a societal perspective. How are ecological issues addressed in China itself and who is supposed to cover the costs? What are the consequences of Chinese investments in large-scale
projects – such as coal-fired power plants, LNG trade or dams – in the Global South?