As the United States is unlikely to have a significant presence at the COP30 United Nations climate change conference, China and the European Union are poised to take the lead in driving the agenda and outcomes of this critical global event. Scheduled for November 2025 in Belem, Brazil, COP30 will bring together nations to address pressing climate challenges. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, highlighted this shift in leadership during an exclusive interview with China Daily, emphasizing the pivotal roles China and the EU are expected to play. Andersen noted that both entities are not only supporting Brazil to ensure the conference’s success but are also spearheading transformative low-carbon investments in developing economies. These initiatives are anticipated to yield multilateral benefits, fostering sustainable development and global climate resilience. The absence of the US, a historically influential player in climate negotiations, underscores the evolving dynamics of international climate diplomacy, with China and the EU stepping up to fill the leadership vacuum.