China tells gullible West it will tackle climate change with major renewable projects

However, coal will remain a key fuel, with the NDRC report saying the country will continue to increase coal production and supply this year even as it plans for trials of low-carbon technology at its coal-fired power plants and to promote initiatives aimed at substituting fossil fuels with renewables.

China has focused on fostering economic growth while consistently failing to meet its own environmental goals, which many believe are a smokescreen for international political cover.

The NDRC said the 3.4 per cent reduction in the amount of carbon emissions per unit of economic growth last year, “fell short of expectations,” blaming rapid growth in energy consumption as well as extreme weather.