US-China Climate Talks in Washington: Tensions Rise Over Trade Conflicts and Coal Power Disputes.

The United States and China are set to meet in Washington, marking a new phase in climate diplomacy. The talks are expected to be fractious and lack personal touch between their predecessors, John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua. China has warned the US and its allies against escalating trade conflicts aimed at undermining Beijing’s dominance in key sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, battery production and critical mineral supply chains. The U.S. accuses China of delaying curbing its coal power fleet and increasing aid for poor countries to clean up their economies. The close relationship between Podesta and Liu’s predecessors often masked tensions between the two rivals.