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UK and China Establish Annual Climate Dialogue After Eight-Year Hiatus

The renewed talks aim to address global climate challenges, despite tensions over coal dependency and human rights concerns.

image: ©Weedezign | iStock
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Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, and Wang Hongzhi, head of China’s National Energy Administration, in Beijing
UK energy minister Ed Miliband is in Beijing Monday for talks with Chinese officials

Overview

  • UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband visited Beijing to restart formal climate negotiations, the first since 2017, and announced an annual Climate Dialogue.
  • The UK seeks to position itself as a global leader in clean energy, collaborating with China on technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture.
  • China, the world’s largest emitter, remains reliant on coal despite its leadership in renewable energy production, complicating its climate commitments.
  • Miliband raised concerns about human rights issues, including forced labor in supply chains and the treatment of Uyghurs, during his discussions with Chinese officials.
  • The UK aims to leverage this renewed cooperation to shape a global coalition for climate action ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil later this year.