China & EU pledge climate push ahead of COP30

China and the European Union have pledged to deepen climate cooperation and jointly lead global efforts towards a just green transition, as they marked the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations.

At the 25th EU-China Summit held in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang met separately with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

The two sides reaffirmed the centrality of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the foundation for international climate action, underscoring that major economies must maintain policy stability and scale up climate efforts amid global volatility.

Describing the green partnership as a defining pillar of EU-China relations, the leaders stressed the need for strengthened cooperation on energy transition, carbon markets, low-carbon technologies, methane management and climate adaptation.

The two sides committed to turning their climate ambitions into tangible outcomes through systematic policy measures and confirmed that they would submit their respective 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30 in Brazil, covering all economic sectors and greenhouse gases, and aligned with the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.

In a joint press statement, both parties highlighted the need to accelerate global renewable energy deployment and ensure affordable access to green technologies for developing countries. They also vowed to enhance adaptation efforts from the local to the global level, while supporting Brazil’s presidency in delivering a successful, equitable and inclusive COP30.

The summit also addressed broader geopolitical and economic issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and the need to achieve a more balanced and mutually beneficial EU-China trade relationship based on fairness and reciprocity.

“We are committed to deepening our bilateral partnership and pursuing constructive and stable relations, anchored in respect for the rules-based international order, balanced engagement and reciprocity,” said European Council president António Costa.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)