The crowded Chinese pavilion at COP30 in Belém offered more than souvenirs; it revealed how climate negotiations today are shaped as much by geopolitics, manufacturing power, and symbolism as by emission targets. In contrast, the quiet Indian pavilion underscored the uneven narratives and constraints facing developing economies within global climate talks.
What are national pavilions at COP, and why do they matter?
At United Nations climate conferences, national pavilions function as temporary embassies. Countries showcase their development models, technological strengths, and climate commitments through exhibitions, panel discussions, and cultural displays. They are informal yet influential spaces where diplomats, policymakers, businesses, and civil society interact beyond negotiation halls.
These pavilions shape perceptions. They communicate who leads, who lags, and who sets the tone in the global climate discourse.
The Chinese pavilion and the symbolism of queues
The Chinese pavilion at COP30 stood out for one striking reason: long queues. Visitors waited hours for small giveaways—panda figurines, pens, bags, and other everyday items. What made them distinctive was not their novelty, but their message.
Many items were metal, recyclable, or made from dissolvable tea-infused fabric. Even furniture shipped from China was promised to be donated locally after the event. The pavilion projected an image of sustainability aligned with manufacturing sophistication—far removed from older stereotypes of China as a source of cheap plastics and polluting industries.
In a subtle way, China demonstrated its claim to being indispensable to the green transition.
Manufacturing power as climate leverage
China’s pavilion popularity reflected a deeper reality: the country is central to the global clean energy supply chain. From rare earth elements and solar panels to batteries and electric vehicles, China dominates production.
This dominance gives it negotiating leverage. While some European countries argue that China and other developing economies delay progress by avoiding strict fossil fuel phase-out timelines, the global energy transition is heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing capacity. Without it, rapid decarbonisation remains unrealistic.
Like-Minded Developing Countries and shifting priorities
At COP30, the absence of the United States created space for coalitions such as the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), which include China, India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, to shape discussions.
Their focus shifted negotiations away from immediate fossil fuel phase-outs towards:
- Adaptation to climate impacts
- Climate finance and loss-and-damage funding
- Equity between developed and developing countries
This reflects a broader divide between historical emitters and countries still balancing growth, poverty reduction, and energy security.
India’s austere presence and energy reality
In sharp contrast, the Indian pavilion was sparse and largely empty. There were no giveaways, no crowds, and little spectacle. This austerity mirrored India’s complex position in climate politics.
Despite being among the world’s top solar energy producers, over 70% of India’s electricity still comes from coal. India’s climate diplomacy remains cautious, emphasising development needs, energy access, and fairness rather than projection of soft power through display.
Soft power, perception, and climate leadership
The contrast between the bustling Chinese pavilion and the quiet Indian one highlights how climate leadership is increasingly about narrative control. Sustainability is no longer communicated only through targets and treaties, but through aesthetics, materials, and everyday objects that signal capability and intent.
Even an interrupted episode—where a fire shut down the venue before China could give away its furniture—symbolised how fragile and contingent these performances can be.
What to note for Prelims?
- COP pavilions function as informal diplomatic and networking spaces.
- China dominates global supply chains for solar cells, batteries, and rare earths.
- Like-Minded Developing Countries emphasise adaptation and climate finance.
- India’s energy mix remains coal-heavy despite renewable expansion.
What to note for Mains?
- Analyse how manufacturing power influences climate negotiations.
- Discuss the role of soft power and perception in climate diplomacy.
- Examine the North–South divide on fossil fuel phase-out versus adaptation.
- Assess India’s climate strategy in light of development constraints.
