China takes a key role in the realization of international sustainability goals and the global climate treaty. At the same time, Chinese banks – as indeed other development banks such as the World Bank - continue to provide loans for climate-damaging fossil projects. In particular, China’s role in this context is deeply divided.

Chinese banks and companies are investing heavily in the construction of new coal-fired power plants, particularly abroad. In doing so, they are bucking the global trend and the policies of their own government, which has made promoting renewable energies a top priority.