Eco promises, polyester reality: China’s climate contradiction

China is drawing praise for its climate commitments while simultaneously facing mounting criticism over its fast-fashion industry’s environmental impact — a contradiction that came into sharp focus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Beijing last week. On September 24, 2025, President Xi Jinping announced new emissions targets at a United Nations climate summit, marking the first time the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter committed to an absolute reduction in emissions. Beijing pledged to cut total emissions by 7% to 10% from peak levels by 2035. Yet as Macron concluded his three-day state visit on December 5, protests erupted in Paris over Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein opening its first physical store at the BHV Marais department store. Videos of the demonstrations circulated widely on TikTok, with critics citing concerns over labor practices and environmental impact. According to the textile and apparel industry association Euratex, EU imports of low-cost Chinese products rose by 20% in both value and volume in the first half of 2025 compared with the previous year, reaching nearly 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion). China’s climate commitment sparks hope — and skepticism Xi’s announcement came as the U.S. retreated from climate action, with President Donald Trump calling climate change a “con job” during his September 23 speech to the U.N. General Assembly. While some experts welcomed Beijing’s commitment as a necessary step forward, critics argue the target falls short of what’s needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. To align with that target, China would need to cut emissions closer to 30% — significantly more ambitious than the current pledge. During Macron's three-day state visit, the two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on climate and environmental protection. The discussions highlighted climate diplomacy as a bilateral priority despite tensions over trade imbalances and the war in Ukraine. The French leader’s visit was also framed by human rights concerns, with Human Rights Watch publicly urging him to address repression during the visit. In France, the Shein store opening intensified scrutiny of Chinese business practices, with critics highlighting labor abuses in the company’s supply chain. A climate credibility test China’s new climate plan reflects a combination of progress and limitations. By committing to peak emissions and then reducing them, Beijing has taken a step that many developing economies have long resisted, motivated by the argument that strict cuts would constrain growth. The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) also includes expanded renewable energy capacity goals and forest stock increases, but observers note that some quantitative targets appear designed to be just within reach, or even conservative sub-targets. Diplomats and analysts describe China’s climate approach today as shaped by economic, geopolitical, and domestic considerations: domestic industrial strategy, slower economic growth, and the decline in international climate cooperation all factor into Beijing’s cautious stance, with a core willingness to improve national reputation. Fast fashion’s carbon contradiction While Beijing picks up some plaudits for its climate diplomacy, China’s global image remains tied to its notorious environmental challenge: fast fashion. The country’s massive role in producing and exporting affordable apparel has turned global e-commerce on its head, but it has also contributed to resource use, waste, and emissions that run counter to climate imperatives. Reports indicate that some major Chinese fast-fashion platforms like Shein continue expanding production, with transport emissions rising even as environmental commitments advance. Critics point out that the sector’s business model leads to textile waste and energy-intensive supply chains that are difficult to reconcile with climate goals. Can China be green while keeping fashion cheap? China’s dual role as a major climate actor and fast-fashion powerhouse captures a central tension in global sustainability. The country’s emissions targets represent diplomatic progress that experts see as essential to climate momentum. Yet entrenched industrial models like fast fashion reveal how far China — and the world — must go to align economic structures with environmental goals.

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Eco promises, polyester reality: China’s climate contradiction