China unveils steady but restrained climate goals

China vowed on Wednesday to cut its emissions by 7-10 percent over the next decade, a cautious commitment to climate action from the world's top polluter, as the United States doubles down on fossil fuels and Europe falters.

The pledge, delivered via video by President Xi Jinping to a UN climate summit where some 120 nations will outline plans to curb global warming, comes as disasters intensify worldwide — from catastrophic floods in Pakistan to raging wildfires in Spain.

While the headline target may seem modest, China has a record of under-promising while overdelivering, driven by its green technology boom.

"Green and low carbon transition is the trend of our time," said Xi. "While some country is acting against it, the international community should stay focused in the right direction."

China, responsible for 30 percent of global emissions, had previously pledged to peak its carbon output before 2030 — a goal it appears on track to meet five years early.