Rest of world must follow China's lead on green energy, says John Kerry

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry has urged countries, including the United States, to follow China's lead in transitioning to clean energy, warning that most of the world is falling behind in the shift away from fossil fuels.

Speaking to The Guardian as the COP31 climate summit opened in Turkey, Kerry said China was the only country to have significantly accelerated its clean energy transition.

“The rest of the world is stumbling along while Mother Nature is sending us more powerful signals every week, every day,” he said.

China has emerged as the world's leading supplier of clean energy technology. Its clean-tech exports exceeded $220 billion in 2025. The country accounts for around 85% of global solar supply chain production capacity and 80% of lithium-ion battery production capacity. It also manufactured nearly 75% of electric cars last year.

Kerry said countries were increasingly recognising the risks of depending on imported oil and gas, particularly following disruptions to supplies linked to conflicts in Iran and West Asia.

He argued that renewable energy, battery storage and transitional gas were becoming more affordable than relying entirely on fossil fuels.

“Right now, renewables together with storage, together with some transitional gas, is cheaper and more effective than just going with fossil fuels,” he said.

China's growing influence in clean energy has also raised questions about its role in global climate governance. In its latest five-year plan, adopted in March 2026, Beijing pledged to actively participate in and lead global climate governance.

However, analysts say China has traditionally been reluctant to take a leadership role at international climate negotiations.

Experts also point to tensions over US and European tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and solar products as a potential obstacle to cooperation.

China is expected to push for discussions on the free flow of green technology at COP31.