China shames Biden’s ’empty’ promises and huge COP footprint: ‘Stop diverting attention’

COP26: Boris Johnson defends China's absence from summit

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Ambassador Zhang Jun pulled no punches when he launched into a scathing tirade on Tuesday aimed at the US leadership. The Chinese diplomat took to Twitter after President Biden told reporters it was a “big mistake” his Chinese counterpart was a no show at the Glasgow summit. Despite being the world’s biggest emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gasses, President Xi only delivered a written note to the more than 100 world leaders attending the event.

President Biden said: “The rest of the world is going to look to China and say what value are they providing?

“They’ve lost the ability to influence people around the world and all the people here at COP, the same way I would argue with regard to Russia.”

However, Mr Zhang wrote on Twitter that China’s commitment to tackling change is unwavering and that the country has proven so through “our achievements”, which he said are “widely recognised”.

He also attacked the US for pulling out of the 2015 Climate Paris agreement during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Mr Zhang wrote: “In addressing climate change, what we need is firm commitment and continued actions.

“What we don’t need – empty slogans, ever-changing policies, luxury motorcades and entourage, irresponsibly exposing numerous people to infection.”

His comment about “luxury motorcades” appears to be a response to US President’s recent visit to Rome where he met Pope Francis and attended the G20 summit.

Mr Biden came under fire for taking an 85-car motorcade to visit the Catholic pontiff, despite calling on the world to curb its greenhouse emissions.

‘Practice what you preach!’ Biden uses FIVE planes and 85 cars to get to climate talks

It is understood the US delegation was forced to extend its motorcade due to Italy’s Covid laws, which place a limit on the number of non-cohabiting people in a single car.

COP26: BBC audience member shames leaders

Upon his arrival in Edinburgh on Monday, Mr Biden’s motorcade to Glasgow consisted of at least 20 vehicles travelling in a single line.

In a follow-up tweet, Mr Zhang stressed that China had indeed attended the climate summit in person, even if the Chinese President was absent.

He said: “The Chinese leader addressed the meeting to share China’s solution to climate change.

“The Chinese delegations attended the meeting in person.

“China has announced its carbon peak and neutrality targets, and released action plan and policies.

“Our achievements are widely recognised.”

According to figures published by the World Resources Institute, China, the European Union and the US are the world’s leading emitters of greenhouse gasses.

China has recently pledged to hit net zero emission by 2060 – 10 years after the rest of the developed world.

Despite this, Mr Zhang said his country remains committed to solving the climate crisis.

He tweeted: “China has been earnestly supporting #ClimateAction.

“We are not the ones who withdrew from the #ParisAgreement.

“The US however has backpedalled its climate policy many times.

“Instead of blame-shifting, what it should do now is shoulder responsibility and take concrete actions.”

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