Leading the world in renewable energy deployment, China generates 31% of its electricity from renewables, while the U.S. lags behind at 22%.

These advancements are part of China's broader strategy to enhance energy security and stimulate economic growth through substantial investments in clean energy products, including electric vehicles and renewable energy equipment.

In fact, Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 38% of new car sales in 2023, contributing to nearly 60% of global EV sales.

The affordability of EVs in China, which are priced lower than traditional fuel vehicles, has facilitated their widespread adoption.

However, China's aggressive subsidies for green industries have led to overcapacity and economic inefficiencies in some sectors.

For instance, while China dominates the photovoltaic (PV) panel industry with over 80% of global manufacturing capacity, it faces challenges related to declining prices.

Additionally, China controls a significant portion of the global supply of critical minerals, particularly in refining lithium and cobalt, essential for renewable technologies.

Despite producing nearly five times more coal than India, China still imported 7% of its coal supply in 2022, making it the world's largest oil importer due to high demand.

In contrast, the U.S. is the largest producer of oil and natural gas and a net exporter of liquefied natural gas, while China remains a net importer of all fossil fuels.

Both countries are the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, with their energy systems shaped by differing resource availabilities.

To stay competitive, the U.S. must adopt consistent, forward-looking policies that mirror China's long-term investment strategies in clean energy.

China is making significant strides in renewable energy, with 36% of its electricity generation coming from zero-carbon sources in 2023, compared to 41% in the U.S.