Obama Meets With Chinese President 1 Day Ahead of G20 Summmit

China on Saturday ratified the Paris agreement on climate change, state media reported a key move by the world’s biggest polluter that brings the deal a major step closer to coming into force.

Deese said India is also poised to join the agreement this year.

He added that history would show that the Paris deal would “ultimately prove to be a turning point”. The U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change says the USA and China joining up brings the total so far to just over 39 percent.

By comparison, it took eight years for the Kyoto Protocol, which preceded the Paris agreement, to enter into force.

So far, a total of 26 countries, accounting for 39% of global emissions have now officially joined the Paris Agreement, which will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification or acceptance with the Secretary-General.

The leaders were expected to announce their nations had formally taking part in the Paris Agreement to cut emissions of gases that contribute to global warming.

“With the two biggest emitters ready to lead, the transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient global economy is now irreversible”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday asked the U.S. to “play a constructive role” in maintaining peace and stability in the disputed South China Sea, asserting that Beijing will “unswervingly” safeguard its sovereignty over the area. With both countries taking this important step forward, today the world comes significantly closer to bringing the Paris Agreement into force and honoring its commitment to future generations to address the unsafe impacts of climate change. “This is our airport!” the Chinese official yelled.

China along with 195 other countries signed the Paris Agreement at UN Headquarters in NY on April 22, Earth Day, sending a strong message to the worldwide community as it joins forces against global warming.

“All these have showcased the strategic importance and global influence of Sino-U.S. relations”, the Chinese president said.

Before China, 23 of the 55 nations had ratified it – including North Korea – but they collectively accounted for just 1.08 percent of global emissions, according to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In the U.S., Senate ratification is not required because the agreement is not considered a formal treaty.

Obama could also take the opportunity to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as their foreign ministers work to reach a deal that would ease fighting around Aleppo.

The trip also potentially marks Obama’s final meeting as president with Xi.

Before the U.S. and Chinese move, 24 nations accounting for just over one per cent of global emissions had ratified the agreement.

The announcement is seen as a major diplomatic achievement for the USA president, who ends his term in January and is participating in his last G20 summit.