Confusion surrounds China’s energy policies as GDP and climate goals clash

Wave of permits for coal-fired power plants sparks concern as ambitions for GDP growth and lowering emissions come into conflict

China's energy policies are fast creating a type of emissions ambiguity", as the twin goals of boosting GDP growth and reducing carbon emissions come into conflict.

The uncertainty is whether and when the world's biggest carbon emitter will start to curb greenhouse gas pollution. The release of the country's annual statistics communique on Tuesday did not clear things up.