US climate envoy holds talks with Chinese officials to ease tensions and address climate crisis

• US climate envoy John Kerry met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, in Beijing to stabilize strained US-China relations, Kerry emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to constructive engagement between the two economies

• The meeting aimed to address disputes over Taiwan, human rights, and sanctions, China seeks renewed dialogue based on equality

• China and the US are holding face-to-face climate discussions, focusing on global warming and reducing carbon emissions

In an effort to stabilize the strained relations between the United States and China, US climate envoy John Kerry has engaged in talks with Chinese officials during his visit to Beijing to reduce disputes especially China's stance towards self-governing Taiwan, which has resulted in historic lows in their diplomatic ties.

During his second day of discussions, John Kerry met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, who is responsible for the Communist Party's foreign relations. In his meeting, Kerry conveyed the Biden administration's strong commitment to restoring constructive engagement between the world's two largest economies. He expressed hope that the US and China could collaborate effectively to bring about positive changes that would benefit the global community.

The diplomatic relationship between the US and China has been strained, partly due to a lack of communication between the two countries. Wang Yi acknowledged this deficiency and emphasized the importance of renewing dialogue on an equal basis. He alluded to China's critics in the US, mentioning issues related to foreign policy, human rights abuses against minority groups, and sanctions imposed on Chinese officials.

Last August, China broke off some mid- and high-level contacts with the Biden administration, including on climate issues, in response to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not hesitated to assert its claims with force if necessary, raising concerns about potential conflicts involving the US in the region, which is vital to the global economy.

John Kerry's visit to China marks the third time a senior official from the Biden administration has traveled to the country for high-level meetings, following Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Kerry expressed gratitude for the opportunity to improve bilateral relations and conveyed President Biden's strong desire for stability in the relationship. He also noted the importance of addressing global challenges together to make a significant difference worldwide.

Premier Li Qiang, China's second-ranking official, also met with John Kerry to discuss the pressing issue of global warming. Premier Li emphasized the need for closer cooperation between China and the US in facing the immense challenge of climate change. Despite being the world leader in coal production and consumption, China has committed to leveling off carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. However, the US and the European Union have urged China to adopt even more ambitious emission reduction targets.

The meeting between Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, marks the first extensive face-to-face climate discussions between the two largest climate polluters after a nearly yearlong hiatus. Climate change has become a critical issue for both nations, with extreme temperatures posing threats to agriculture and prompting measures to protect citizens from heatwaves.