Although China is often blamed for the muddled outcome of the 2009 Copenhagen talks, its position on how to tackle climate change may not be so far from the West’s. Much reporting on Copenhagen portrayed China as being hostile to rules—considered essential by the West—that would hold it accountable through independent verification of its greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, China’s position on this issue and its opposition to legally binding targets should not be confused for a lack of political will or action to address climate change at home. U.S. action is essential for a legally binding climate agreement that includes all major economies, but it may not be sufficient: China will join such an agreement when the time is right for China. In the meantime, the United States and Europe must continue to pursue clean energy and climate cooperation in forums outside the UN and share their best practices on shifting to a low-carbon economy. China’s successes in this area must be recognized, encouraged, and replicated.