China is reportedly considering a bid to host the United Nations climate conference in 2028, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. The potential move would position Beijing as a prominent player in global climate diplomacy, although a final decision on the proposal has not yet been made.

The U.N. climate summits, formally known as the Conferences of the Parties (COP), rotate annually between regional blocs. The upcoming COP31 is scheduled to be held in Turkey, followed by COP32 in Ethiopia in 2027. The 2028 conference, designated as COP33, will be hosted by a country from the Asia-Pacific region. India had initially proposed to host COP33 but withdrew its offer earlier this year without providing a clear explanation. South Korea has also expressed interest in hosting the event.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat stated it has yet to receive an official nomination from the Asia-Pacific regional group regarding the COP33 host. According to UNFCCC protocols, regional groups conduct internal consultations to select a host country, and once a consensus is reached, the group's chair forwards a formal nomination to the secretariat.

China’s potential bid comes amid ongoing international efforts to address climate change, with the country seeking to strengthen its global stature as a climate leader. This effort contrasts with recent U.S. policy fluctuations under former President Donald Trump, whose administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement twice and advocated for expanded fossil fuel production. China, by positioning itself as a counterweight to the United States on climate issues, has increasingly emphasized its commitment to sustainable development pathways.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment on the reports. The timeline for announcing the COP33 host country remains unclear, as the decision is not required to be finalized this year. The selection process continues to evolve, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics within international climate negotiations.