China eyes bid to host 2028 U.N. climate talks

China is considering a bid to host the 2028 U.N. climate talks, known as COP33, in an effort to enhance its image as a global leader in combating climate change, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Beijing has not yet officially decided on the proposal and there is no set timeline for making a decision. The host country for COP33 is determined through consultations among regional groups, with the chair of the group formally nominating the host country to the U.N.

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat. While China has not yet officially expressed interest, it has been reported by Bloomberg News. The U.N.'s annual climate gatherings rotate among different regions, with Turkey hosting this year's COP31 and Ethiopia set to host COP32 in 2027. India had previously withdrawn its offer to host COP33 without giving a reason, while South Korea has also shown interest in the position.

China's move to host the climate talks could be seen as an opportunity to boost its credentials as a climate leader, particularly in contrast to the United States, which under President Donald Trump had withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement twice and sought to promote fossil fuels. China, as the world's second-largest economy and the biggest global emitter of greenhouse gases, has a significant economic interest in hosting the talks.

However, hosting the summit could also lead to China facing scrutiny over its own substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The potential U.S.-China dynamics under a future Democratic administration in 2028 may also play a role in China's decision-making process, as climate cooperation between the two nations has been a mixed experience since the early days of the climate regime.