CHINE PERSPECTIVE
WTO MC14 IN YAOUNDÉ: GLOBAL TRADE FACES THE CARBON BORDER TAX TEST
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DOMINANT ANGLE
CBAM as Western protectionism violating WTO principles and climate justice
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
ANALYSIS
Chinese state media cover MC14 with marked hostility toward the CBAM, perceived as a European protectionist tool violating WTO principles. The Global Times headlines 'European carbon tax: a trade war disguised as climate policy,' arguing the CBAM violates the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities enshrined in the Paris Agreement. Xinhua reprises China's official position: developed countries must assume historical responsibility by financing developing countries' green transition, not imposing unilateral taxes.
The People's Daily places the CBAM within the broader 'trade hegemonism' narrative, a counterpart to financial hegemonism. The article notes China, the world's top CO2 emitter, has its own carbon neutrality targets (2060) and doesn't need external pressure. CGTN amplifies developing country voices at Yaoundé, positioning itself as Global South defender.
The SCMP notes pragmatically that China anticipated the CBAM by developing its own national carbon market and that well-positioned Chinese industries can adapt — the real concern is CBAM inspiring similar mechanisms in the UK, Canada and Australia, creating a green tariff wall around the developed world.
KEY POINTS
- CBAM seen as violating common but differentiated responsibilities principle
- China has own targets (carbon neutrality 2060) without needing external pressure
- Risk of CBAM proliferation (UK, Canada, Australia)
- China positioning as Global South defender at WTO
COGNITIVE BIASES IDENTIFIED
Century of humiliation: all Western trade pressure is neocolonial
Sovereignty as red line: Chinese standards not negotiable externally
Win-win instrumentalized: Global South defense serving Chinese interests
SOURCES (1)
DSAP Law Firm
MEDIUM
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