China signals intent to push back against cleantech tariffs at COP31

By Lewis Jackson BEIJING, Oct 21 (Reuters) China wants the COP31 summit in Turkey next month to focus on what it calls the new problem for global climate action: tariffs against ​its clean technology. The 31st COP meeting, which begins in ‌Antalya next month, should address issues like climate finance for the developing world as well as the “new problem” of unilateralism and protectionism, a common indirect criticism of US and EU trade policy, Li Gao, vice minister of the Ministry of Ecology ‌and ​Environment, told a press conference on Wednesday. We ⁠believe the conference should ⁠discuss in depth the old problems of developed countries’ insufficient emission reductions and insufficient financial support, as well as the new problem of unilateralism and protectionism undermining global collective efforts, he said. China ​is by far the world’s largest producer of the solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and electric cars needed to cut emissions. However, ⁠that technology is increa