Yellen says US, China must do more to combat climate crisis

Beijing, Jul 8 (EFE).- United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Saturday in Beijing that her country and China must work together to fight the climate crisis.

Yellen, in Beijing until Sunday, participated in a round table on climate change with Chinese government officials, where she said both countries “made progress in the past such as the 2015 Paris Agreement,” and that Washington and Beijing must “support emerging markets and developing countries in their efforts to meet their climate goals.”

“US-China cooperation on climate finance is key. We have the responsibility and the ability to lead the way,” she said.

Yellen said both countries need to “coordinate efficiently and effectively,” calling on Beijing to support existing multilateral climate institutions.

Yellen’s trip to China comes two weeks after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Beijing and is yet another attempt to defuse tension between the two powers.

On Friday, Yellen told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that the US seeks “healthy economic competition” with China, though she said Washington will in some cases take “measures to protect its national security.”

However, she added that her trip seeks to “deepen constructive efforts” so that both countries can “address global challenges” and “macroeconomic stability.”

“China and the United States have a duty to cooperate and show leadership both with respect to their own countries and the rest of the world,” she said.

Li said the good relationship between the two powers can determine “the future and destiny of humanity.”

In addition, he said China hopes relations will “get back on track” in the near future, adding that the two nations should “strengthen communication” on economic talks through “sincere and stable exchanges.” EFE

jco/lds