Energy Secretary urges China to take action and collaborate in addressing the climate crisis.
- Energy Secretary visits Beijing to encourage China the world’s largest emitter to strengthen climate action.
- Miliband to stress that tackling the climate emergency requires responsible leadership from China.
- UK and China commit to pragmatic cooperation on climate and clean energy, advancing the government’s Plan for Change.
The UK and China are re-establishing meaningful climate discussions, with ministers from both nations meeting in Beijing for the first time in nearly eight years to accelerate climate action. Strengthening cooperation with China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, is key to securing the UK’s climate and energy security.
As part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, which aims to position Britain as a clean energy superpower, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will meet with China’s National Energy Administrator, Minister Wang Hongzhi, and Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu. The talks will focus on deepening collaboration to reduce global emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The UK also plans to formalise a Climate Dialogue with China, inviting Chinese officials to London later this year. This initiative will institutionalise climate discussions between the two nations, creating a long-term platform for cooperation.
China’s Crucial Role in Global Climate Action
China is the world’s leading investor in renewable energy but remains the largest emitter, responsible for more emissions than the US, EU, India, and the UK combined. The country’s active participation in climate action is therefore essential in addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges.
During his visit, Miliband will also raise concerns over forced labour in supply chains, human rights in Hong Kong, and China’s continued support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The climate crisis is already affecting daily life in the UK, with extreme weather events causing significant damage. Storms like Bert and Daragh have submerged thousands of acres of farmland, while heatwaves have led to record-breaking temperatures and heat-related deaths. Similarly, China has faced climate extremes, including a record 28 consecutive days of temperatures above 35°C in Beijing last year.
Rebuilding diplomatic engagement with the world’s second-largest economy is essential for securing Britain’s climate and energy future.
Strengthening UK-China Climate Cooperation
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated: “We can only safeguard future generations from climate change if all major emitters take action. Ignoring China’s role in this fight would be negligent. That’s why I’m engaging with Chinese ministers in direct discussions about how our countries can meet our commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.”
“Our Plan for Change and mission to become a clean energy superpower are about securing energy independence, lowering costs, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. Through this, we can influence global climate action, protect our way of life, and ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.”
As part of this renewed collaboration, the UK will update a decade-old UK-China Clean Energy Partnership. The refreshed agreement will define clear areas where the UK can securely cooperate with China on emerging technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture. The UK will also share its expertise in phasing out coal, having shut down its last coal-fired power plant last year.
This structured partnership will allow both nations to address key energy security concerns while creating a diplomatic channel to challenge China on issues where there are disagreements, such as supply chain ethics.
Protecting UK National Security While Advancing Climate Goals
The UK government is committed to a strategic, long-term, and pragmatic relationship with China—collaborating where possible, competing when necessary, and challenging when required.
As an open economy, the UK welcomes investment that aligns with national security interests and economic growth. However, the government will not hesitate to use its regulatory powers to safeguard critical infrastructure. Existing measures, such as the National Security and Investment Act, provide a robust framework to protect national interests while pursuing energy reforms.
This engagement aligns with the UK’s mission to lead in clean energy and reduce reliance on global fossil fuel markets. The recent increase in the energy price cap highlights the cost of remaining dependent on volatile fossil fuel prices. Wholesale gas prices have risen by 15% since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, directly affecting household energy bills.
To counter this, the government has launched the most ambitious energy reforms in a generation. In just eight months, key initiatives have included lifting the onshore wind ban, establishing Great British Energy, approving nearly 3GW of solar power, delivering a record-breaking renewables auction, and advancing the UK’s carbon capture and hydrogen industries. These measures aim to enhance energy security, drive economic growth, and provide clean, affordable energy for the British public.