China welcomes expected U.S. return to Paris accord

A demonstration is held to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement outside the White House in Washington D.C., June 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Yan Liang)

China welcomes the expected return of the United States to the Paris Agreement on climate change under the incoming new U.S. administration of Joe Biden, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Tuesday.

Hua made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to media reports that the incoming Biden team plans to sign an executive order to return to the Paris climate agreement.

Hua said climate change is a global challenge that requires joint efforts from the international community. China encourages all efforts that are conducive to international cooperation on climate change and will continue to work with the international community to actively implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and make greater contributions to the global response to climate change.

"China welcomes and looks forward to the return of the new U.S. administration to the Paris Agreement and its positive contribution to global climate governance," Hua said.