China is facing renewed scrutiny after researchers claimed the country revised its carbon accounting methods, cutting its reported emissions growth between 2020 and 2025 from 14% to 7%. Analysts from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said the methodological change effectively removed nearly 700 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually from official calculations.
The report warned that the updated metrics could make it easier for China to meet its 2030 climate targets even if overall emissions continue rising. Researchers also raised concerns that changing accounting standards without clear public disclosure may weaken transparency and reduce confidence in global climate reporting frameworks.