CHINA PERSPECTIVE

Chinese state media cover MC14 with marked hostility toward CBAM, perceived as a European protectionist tool contrary to WTO principles. The Global Times headlines "European carbon tax: commercial warfare disguised as climate policy," arguing CBAM violates the common but differentiated responsibilities principle in the Paris Agreement. Xinhua repeats China's official position: developed countries must assume historical responsibility by financing developing-world green transition, not imposing unilateral taxes.

The People's Daily situates CBAM within broader narrative of Western "commercial hegemony," a parallel to financial hegemony. The article stresses China, world's leading CO2 emitter, has its own carbon neutrality targets (2060) and needs no external pressure. CGTN highlights developing-country voices at Yaoundé, positioning itself as Global South defender—a role Beijing contests with Brasília and New Delhi.

The SCMP notes pragmatically that China anticipated CBAM by developing its own national carbon market and well-positioned Chinese industries can adapt—the real issue is CBAM inspiring similar mechanisms in the UK, Canada, and Australia, creating a green tariff wall around the developed world.