Trump’s Claim That China Doesn’t Use Wind Power Sparks Debate — But Reality Tells a Very Different Story
A claim by U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos that China does not use wind power has been widely debunked by data and experts. Contrary to his assertion, China is the world’s undisputed leader in both wind energy manufacturing and domestic deployment, operating the planet’s largest wind power network.
The Claim and Immediate Pushback
Trump stated he hadn’t “been able to find any wind farms in China,” suggesting the country manufactures turbines only for export. This remark, part of his broader critique of renewable energy, was quickly countered by energy analysts, fact-checkers, and the Chinese government. Evidence overwhelmingly shows China not only uses wind power extensively but has built it into a cornerstone of its national energy strategy.
The Data: China’s Dominance in Wind Energy
Installed Capacity: By the end of 2024, China had over 560 gigawatts (GW) of installed wind capacity, more than any other country and nearly double that of the second-ranked United States.
Electricity Generation: In the first 11 months of 2025, China’s wind farms generated approximately 950 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, demonstrating massive and active grid integration.
A Historic Milestone: In 2025, China’s combined wind and solar capacity surpassed its coal-fired power capacity for the first time, marking a pivotal shift in its energy mix.
China’s Official Response
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that the country’s installed wind power capacity had exceeded 600 million kilowatts (600 GW) by late 2025. Officials emphasized China’s dual role as the world’s largest renewable energy system operator and a key exporter of wind and solar technology, aiding global decarbonization efforts.
Fact-Checking the Claim
Independent verification confirms China’s vast wind infrastructure. Iconic projects like the Gansu Wind Farm—one of the world’s largest—along with major installations in Inner Mongolia and offshore projects, directly contradict Trump’s statement. China’s wind sector is a critical domestic power source, not just an export industry.
Broader Context
Trump’s comments align with his longstanding skepticism of wind energy. However, they clash with the global reality of wind power’s falling costs and rising adoption as a key tool for energy security and climate goals. China’s aggressive expansion highlights the technology’s economic and strategic viability.
Also Read: India Becomes ‘Indispensable’ Strategic Partner for EU Ahead of Key 2026 Summit
Conclusion
While political rhetoric may question renewable energy’s role, the facts are clear: China is a wind power superpower, leveraging its manufacturing might for both domestic energy security and global leadership in the clean energy transition. This episode underscores the importance of grounding energy policy debates in verifiable data, not misinformation.
