Xi did not go into specifics, but depending on how the policy is carried out, it could greatly restrict the funding of coal plants in the developing world. China has been facing pressure to stop its coal financing overseas in order to help the world reach the goals of the Paris climate agreement. Xi's announcement came after similar actions by South Korea and Japan earlier in the year, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US climate envoy John Kerry urging China to do the same. In a pre-recorded video address at the annual UN gathering, Xi stated that China would increase support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy and would not construct new coal-fired power projects abroad, emphasizing China's peaceful intentions in international relations. Kerry praised Xi's announcement as a "great contribution" and a positive step towards success at the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Kerry expressed his satisfaction with President Xi's decision to stop building new coal projects abroad after discussing the issue with China for a while. Alok Sharma, the head of COP26, also praised the announcement, emphasizing the declining future of coal power and welcoming President Xi's commitment. Xi addressed the audience following President Joe Biden's first speech at the United Nations. Biden outlined a new era of intense competition without resorting to another Cold War, despite China's growing influence. In his speech, Xi did not directly mention the often contentious relationship between China and the United States, where the Biden administration has prioritized policies on addressing climate change and has attempted to work together with Beijing. Xi reiterated promises made last year that China would reach a peak in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Some critics have argued that these targets are not ambitious enough, but they allowed China to claim the moral high ground on the issue after former President Donald Trump, who had dismissed climate change as a hoax, pulled the US out of the Paris climate agreement. China, the biggest producer of greenhouse gases in the world, still heavily depends on coal for its energy needs. One of Biden's initial actions after taking office in January was to reaffirm the US's commitment to addressing climate change and rejoin the Paris agreement. Justin Guay, director of global climate strategy at the Sunrise Project, praised Xi's promise to stop public financing of coal, stating that it would greatly impact global coal expansion. Guterres also lauded both Xi and Biden for their efforts to combat climate change, including Biden's plan to double funds to $11.4 billion per year by 2024 to assist developing nations in dealing with climate change. He stated that speeding up the global elimination of coal is the most crucial action to achieve the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement. Earlier, Biden emphasized the importance of democracy in overcoming authoritarianism, suggesting that the future belongs to those who prioritize freedom for their people. He also condemned the mistreatment of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, mentioning specific regions like Xinjiang and northern Ethiopia where abuses have been reported. China denies any wrongdoing in Xinjiang. Relations between the world's two largest economies have deteriorated significantly in recent years due to various issues such as human rights violations and lack of transparency regarding the origins of COVID-19. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of avoiding forming exclusive groups or engaging in zero-sum games, possibly alluding to the US-led Quad forum. This comes as the Quad is set to meet in Washington, a group seen as a way to counter China's growing influence. China has expressed concerns about an arms race in the region following the announcement of the AUKUS alliance between the US, UK, and Australia. Despite criticism over the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Biden has stated that ending America's longest war will allow the US to focus more on the Indo-Pacific region. Xi also criticized military intervention and attempts to impose democracy from outside forces, seemingly directed at the US.