China rules out hosting 2028 UN climate talks: sources

China has decided against hosting the UN climate talks in 2028 after considering the possibility in recent months, sources familiar with the issue told AFP on Friday.

The decision leaves open the question of which Asia-Pacific country could organise COP33, because it is the region's turn to host the annual summit. India withdrew its offer in April without giving a reason, and South Korea has previously expressed interest.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity at the COP31 conference in Antalya, Turkey. The Guardian first reported that China had ruled out hosting the 2028 talks.

China's government had never confirmed possible interest in hosting COP33. Asked about The Guardian report, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said: “I am not aware of the relevant situation.” The spokesperson said the UN climate talks are an important platform for global climate governance and that China would continue promoting green and low-carbon transition and international cooperation on climate change.

COP33 is expected to be important because nations will undertake a global stocktake of climate progress and assess where the world has fallen short of the Paris Agreement's goals.