by WorldTribune Staff, November 7, 2016

Chinese officials, usually hesitant to jump into U.S. politics, have twice in recent days criticized Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over his threat to back out of a global climate accord.

“If Trump were to insist on doing things his own way, then he would pay a heavy price both politically and diplomatically,” said Zou Ji, deputy director of the National Center for Climate Change Strategy, which is a part of China’s state planner.

“The U.S. would suffer the greatest harm and of course, the rest of the world would also be implicated,” he told reporters on Nov. 4.

Zou’s comments marked the second occurrence in a week of a Chinese official commenting on a foreign election, both condemning Trump’s threat to spurn the Paris Agreement, made by nearly 200 governments, which takes effect on Nov. 11.

On Nov. 1, China’s top climate change negotiator rejected Trump’s plan to back out, saying a wise political leader should make policy in line with global trends.

Regardless of the outcome in the U.S. on Nov. 8, China will continue to be a “guardian, advocate and strong implementer of the Paris Accord,” Zou said.

“We are a responsible country and we will do our utmost to ensure the Paris Accord is upheld and implemented.”

Zou said he hopes for a wise decision by the people, and companies, of the United States.

“The nature of the U.S. presidential election campaign is candidates can say whatever they want to make voters happy and win votes.”

  In rare break with precedent, Paris Agreement, two Chinese officials come out against Trump, U.S. presidential election, WorldTribune.com, Zou Ji