"That display reminded many of the cold war, but it captured only a fraction of China's far greater modern influence, primarily built on a formidable economy, dramatic advancements in renewable energy, and a willingness to engage globally with the greatest crisis facing humanity: climate breakdown. In that sense, the tanks, cannon and missiles that filed past Tiananmen Square may well prove less important in reshaping the world order than the wind turbines, solar panels and electric cars that are churning out of Chinese factories"
"They are the reason China has already won the battle for the energy of the 21st century. If history is any guide, the country that dominates energy usually dominates economics and politics, which is why it is not just old war allies that are cosying up to Beijing. Narendra Modi, the president of longtime rival India, also visited China last week for the biggest ever meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation along with dozens of other regional leaders"
"The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, led a delegation to Beijing this summer to coordinate climate policy. The Brazilian executive secretary of Cop30 will visit next week with a similar mission, knowing the success or failure of the annual climate summit now depends on China more than any other nation. Expectations for Chinese climate leadership are rising in tandem with dismay at the US, which will attend Cop30 as an observer and disrupter"
China combined a large military parade, high-level meetings with Russia and North Korea, and President Xi Jinping's vow not to be intimidated. The military spectacle echoed cold war imagery but represented a small part of broader Chinese influence rooted in economic strength and rapid renewable-energy innovation. Mass production of wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles extends Chinese technological and industrial reach across global markets. Energy-sector dominance gives China leverage in economics and geopolitics, attracting visits from leaders including Narendra Modi and EU officials. China now plays a decisive role in the prospects of international climate diplomacy while US uncertainty undermines Western leadership.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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