"After Months of Silence, Chinese and U.S. Climate Envoys Briefly Speak"

"John Kerry, the top U.S. climate negotiator, has met at least three times with his Chinese counterpart at COP27. Their countries are the planet’s biggest polluters."

"SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt — A frosty, monthslong pause in dialogue between China and the United States on climate issues appeared to thaw ever so slightly this week at the United Nations climate summit, known as COP27, in this Red Sea resort town.

John Kerry, the U.S. special envoy for climate change, confirmed that he had met with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua — the only breakthrough, albeit a small one, since China suspended climate talks with President Biden’s administration in early August after Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taiwan over China’s objections.

“We’ve had some informal talks, but we’re not in any formal negotiations,” Mr. Kerry said at an event on the sidelines of the summit. “I stand ready to negotiate.”

Mr. Kerry and Mr. Xie have met at least three times since Sunday, including on the sidelines of a main hall where world leaders have given speeches and in a V.I.P. room nearby, according to a person familiar with their discussions who was not authorized to speak about them."

Max Bearak and Lisa Friedman report for the New York Times November 9, 2022.

Source: NYTimes, 11/10/2022