What is China's role in the UN plastics treaty negotiations?

China has become a vocal supporter of the UN-led plastics treaty, acknowledging the complex, far-reaching impacts of plastic pollution and calling for urgent, coordinated action across over 190 UN countries.

What is the potential impact of China's involvement in the UN plastics treaty?

China's support for the treaty has given the negotiation process a much-needed boost, according to experts, and could pave the way for a landmark global agreement to address the growing plastic pollution crisis.

Home / Environment / China Spearheads Global Effort to Curb Plastic Waste Crisis

China Spearheads Global Effort to Curb Plastic Waste Crisis

Q: How is China addressing its own plastic waste problem?

In 2020, China announced plans to cut down on plastic use by 2025, targeting the dependence on single-use plastics across various industries in an effort to reduce its own significant plastic waste production.

18 Oct

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Summary

China supports UN-led plastics treaty
Plastic pollution impacts entire production-consumption-recycling chain
China aims to reduce single-use plastics by 2025

China Spearheads Global Effort to Curb Plastic Waste Crisis

As the world grapples with the growing plastic waste crisis, China has taken a leading role in advocating for a comprehensive United Nations-led plastics treaty. In August 2025, Chinese officials spoke at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighting the need for urgent action.

China's representative, Haijun Chen, acknowledged that plastic pollution is "far more complex than we expected," affecting the entire chain of production, consumption, and waste management across over 190 UN countries. With plastic products taking centuries to decompose, the environmental impact can be devastating, as the material breaks down into persistent microplastics that harm wildlife and enter the human food chain.

Despite being one of the world's largest producers of plastic waste, China has taken proactive steps to address the issue. In 2020, the country announced plans to cut down on plastic use by 2025, targeting the dependence on single-use plastics across various industries. While the global treaty negotiations have yet to reach a final agreement, China's vocal support has given the process a much-needed boost, according to experts.

As the plastic pollution crisis continues to escalate worldwide, the potential for a landmark UN plastics treaty has gained significant momentum, with China leading the charge for comprehensive, coordinated solutions.

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