China is considering submitting a bid to host the 2028 United Nations climate summit, COP33, as part of efforts to enhance its leadership image in global climate governance, multiple sources report [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The decision is not final, and Beijing has no set timeline for confirming whether it will proceed with the bid [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The host country for COP33, which by rotation will come from the Asia-Pacific region, does not have to be decided in 2026. The upcoming COP31 in 2026 is scheduled in Turkey, followed by Ethiopia hosting COP32 in 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. India withdrew its bid for COP33 in April 2026 without giving a reason, while South Korea has also expressed interest in hosting the talks [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

China seeks to position itself as a climate leader despite being the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter with relatively modest emission reduction targets. It aims to reduce economy-wide emissions by 7-10% by 2035 compared to peak levels, a target seen as cautious by international observers [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Hosting COP33 could strengthen China's credentials in climate leadership and support its export of green technologies, including solar panels, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and batteries [1, 2, 4, 5, 6].

At the same time, hosting the summit would draw increased scrutiny on China’s own climate record, especially limited commitments on fossil fuel phase-out and funding climate finance [3, 5, 6]. The US-China dynamic also figures prominently. Climate cooperation has been important under recent US Democratic administrations, and with COP33 planned shortly after the 2028 US presidential election, the bid could influence the bilateral relationship [5, 6].

The UNFCCC secretariat confirmed it has not yet received an official nomination for the COP33 host from the Asia-Pacific Regional Group. Regional groups consult internally before formally nominating a country. "We have not been informed by the Asia-Pacific Regional Group on the nomination of the host country for COP33," the secretariat said [1].

Climate analyst Meyer at think tank E3G noted the complex US-China interaction over the past 35 years, saying, "Regardless of the next election’s outcome, US-China relations will continue to face challenges" [5].

The Chinese embassy in Washington has not issued official comments on the bid [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. The final decision on the COP33 host country is expected in due course, with the Asia-Pacific group continuing consultations.