China Declines Bid to Host 2028 UN Climate Summit
Beijing has decided not to pursue hosting the 2028 talks, leaving the Asia-Pacific group without a new official bid.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Environmental
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China has opted not to bid to host the 2028 UN climate summit, according to a report by The Guardian. No other country in the Asia-Pacific group has yet submitted a new official bid for the talks.
Why it matters
The UN climate summit rotates among regional blocs, so the Asia-Pacific group's turn to host in 2028 now lacks a confirmed candidate. The 2028 summit is scheduled to coincide with the next US presidential election, adding a further consideration for planning.
The Asia-Pacific group, with more than 50 member countries, is due to provide the 2028 host, while Ethiopia will host the 2027 talks in Addis Ababa. No new official bid has been submitted, and it remains unclear which country will step forward.
The players
China
China is the world's most populous country and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and it has played a central role in international climate negotiations.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a East African nation that will host the 2027 UN climate conference in its capital, Addis Ababa.
The details
Officials deliberated over a proposal before China decided not to proceed with a bid, and the decision involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and environmental officials. A final endorsement would have required support from the highest levels of government, and India had earlier withdrawn its own offer to host the negotiations in April.
Timeline
April: India withdrew its offer to host the negotiations.
July: China published a five-year plan pledging a global climate leadership role.
August: Bloomberg reported on talks over a China bid.
2027: Ethiopia will host the climate talks in Addis Ababa.
2028: The Asia-Pacific group is due to host the UN climate summit.
Big Picture
The UN rotates COP hosting among regional groups, and the Asia-Pacific group's turn in 2028 now lacks a confirmed candidate after China's decision. The outcome will test whether the rotation system can deliver a host without a clear volunteer.
The outcome of the 2028 host decision will determine where and when the next major global climate negotiations take place, affecting delegate travel and planning. Observers and advocates following the talks will need to track whether a candidate emerges in the coming year.
The takeaway
Watch for an official bid from the Asia-Pacific group, since the 2028 host decision may come only at next year's summit. The rotation system depends on regional countries stepping forward to volunteer.
What happens next
A decision on the 2028 host is not required at the Antalya talks and could be taken at next year's summit in Addis Ababa.
Further reading
For broader context on how global climate policy is shaped, see the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Edge Malaysia.
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