This year’s annual United Nations Climate Change Conference unofficially marked a new period in global climate diplomacy. Some countries now see China as the world’s climate leader and winner of the global clean energy race. Sara Schonhardt from POLITICO’s E&E News explains how China ascended to this position and what global climate efforts could look like with Beijing at the helm.

Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. 

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. 

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

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