New from me and @byfordt: Xi Jinping pledged in 2021 to "strictly control" new coal power projects until 2025. The exact opposite happened, with permits to new coal power projects more than doubling in the following two years, compared with two years prior. China has a history, and a reputation, of meeting and often exceeding its climate commitments, even when they've required more effort than expected. The coal power spree badly undermines the country's credibility and other countries need to ask questions about it. Chinese officials argue that the wave of new coal power capacity won't lead to a corresponding surge in emissions, as the plants will be used at low utilization rates. The country's rapid buildout of clean energy makes this a plausible outcome. But until Beijing halts the permitting spree or sets firmer commitments to peak emissions in the power sector, there are no guarantees. foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/12…