Xi's carbon neutrality announcement is a "power move", as @adamtooze rightly pointly out. But I don't think it's "wrong-footing" EU in any meaningful way. And US under Biden has much more leeway & credibility to politically neutralize this with own actions than piece claims.
Xi's 2060 pledge won't change anything about EU concerns about unfair economic practices, dependence & aggression in HK, Xinjiang, Taiwan. Xi breaking basic & intl law in HK made many in EU wary about trusting Beijing on commitments. No fundamental change in EU China debate
It's not that there is a large European constituency promoting radical decoupling from China that could have indeed been "wrong-footed" by Xi move. Most want productive cooperation on global public goods. And expected that type of commitment as basis for good cooperation.
And while points on US domestic turmoil & climate crisis deniers hobbling credibility of climate moves by a new administration well taken, I do think we shouldn't underestimate how much goodwill a Biden Green New Deal climate offensive could generate in European public opinion.
As an aside: isn't Xi's commitment taking wind out of sails left-wingers arguing we shouldn't confront Beijing on other strategic issues since this would wreck climate? Given Xi's solemn pledge stands (issued at time of great US-China tensions),we shouldn't worry that much no?
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