China’s new climate targets, which are expected to be released belatedly in autumn 2025, will mark a turning point in global climate policy. For the first time, absolute emission caps covering all greenhouse gases and sectors are anticipated, which will shape the path beyond China’s CO₂ peak. Importantly, the announcement goes far beyond the realm of climate policy, carrying significant economic and geopolitical implications for Germany and Europe.
This policy brief provides context, analysis, and recommendations for the path ahead: it explains the significance of China’s targets, assesses their level of ambition, outlines the logic behind them, and examines their links to German and European climate goals. Four strategic options for policy action are proposed.
The full version of the brief is available in German, with an English summary provided here.
