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Joe Biden cabinet: John Kerry as climate tsar ‘may cool US-China tensions’
- Kerry and Chinese counterparts cooperated on climate change when he was secretary of state in the Obama administration
- But restoring international ties severed under Donald Trump may prove difficult or create fresh power struggles with Beijing
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John Kerry’s appointment as US climate envoy and Washington’s expected pivot on climate change policy could help find common ground with Beijing under president-elect Joe Biden, Chinese foreign policy observers said.
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The return of former secretary of state Kerry to a cabinet-level role was an early sign of the Biden administration setting a more predictable course for its dealings with China, some argued. However, one said renewed engagement by a more multilateral Washington could bring it into conflict with Beijing over who should lead on certain issues globally.
Even if US-China tensions were to remain over economic, technological and other issues, having familiar faces from past administrations could stabilise relations after four tumultuous years under President Donald Trump, they said.
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Kerry’s appointment was one of six National Security Council positions filled on Monday. They also included Antony Blinken being picked for secretary of state when Biden takes office in January.
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Chinese scientists cover melting glacier with quilts to slow loss linked to climate change
Chinese scientists cover melting glacier with quilts to slow loss linked to climate change
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