Dear Focus Reader,

China used the COP30 summit in Belém last week to reinforce its message that global climate action depends not only on ambition, but on open pathways for green development. In his remarks, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang called on countries to maintain a constructive international environment and to turn climate pledges into concrete results.

The United States did not send senior federal officials to the summit, prompting some analysts to argue that Washington risks ceding ground to China in the clean-energy race. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom attended in lieu of high-level federal representation, underscoring the growing role of U.S. states in international climate diplomacy.

Meanwhile, in the coming days, we're excited to share coverage from the 6th U.S.-China Hong Kong Forum, themed "Circles for Peace." The Forum will bring together about 50 leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to examine how AI, geopolitics, and people-to-people exchange can shape a more stable future.

A highlight of the Forum will be an address by Professor Muhammad Yunus, interim leader of Bangladesh and Nobel Peace Prize winner, titled "The Equation for Humanity." Further speaker highlights include Charlene Barshefsky, Chair of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and 12th U.S. Trade Representative; Wang Jisi, Founding President of the Institute of International and Strategic Studies at Peking University; Nirupama Rao, former Foreign Secretary of India and Ambassador to both China and the United States; and representatives of the Nixon, Carter, and Bush presidential families.

Additionally, marking the 80th anniversaries of the end of World War II, a centerpiece of this year's Forum will be a tribute to the Flying Tigers, honoring the American pilots who fought alongside their Chinese counterparts during the war.

Learn more about international relations by catching up on our latest Focus content, including topics on trade and economic relations, U.S.-China diplomatic cooperation, and more.