China recently released its official NDC, or Nationally Determined Contribution document, laying out a commitment to reduce carbon emissions 'from peak' by 7-10% by 2035. The document was widely seen as disappointing. Now that the NDC and the initial reactions are out, it's time to take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. What does this target really mean? What does the NDC signal about China's 15th Five-Year Plan, or for its major emitting sectors such as coal power or coal-to-chemicals? What impact did climate diplomacy or weakened/withdrawn climate commitments from other economies have on China's NDC? Is there a chance that China will use other policies to 'enhance its ambition'?

Our guest today is Kate Logan Director, China Climate Hub and Climate Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Logan is also a Fellow with ASPI's Center for China Analysis. Her work focuses on enhancing climate progress across Asia and in China especially, including by supporting the international community's engagement with China's climate agenda. She previously worked with ClimateWorks, and also in Beijing with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs. Kate was one of the founders of the Environment China podcast, almost a decade ago, so she has a long connection to the Beijing Energy Network!

Further reading:

Kate Logan and Li Shuo, 'Beijing disappoints on ambition and misses a chance at leadership', Asia Society Policy Institute, September 2025, at https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/unpacking-chinas-new-headline-climate-targets.