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.

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.