China and Germany Engage in Discussions on Climate Change and Green Transition Strategies

China and Germany have recently engaged in a high-level dialogue focused on climate change and the green transition, held in Beijing on Saturday(June 22). This dialogue marks the first of its kind since both nations agreed to establish this mechanism a year prior.

The discussions were led by Zheng Shanjie, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who exchanged views on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

China is steadfast in promoting a green and low-carbon transition despite them still being the biggest greenhouse gas emitter.

Central to this transformation is the rapid expansion of renewable energy, driving progress in electric vehicles, energy storage solutions, and other innovative technologies.

This dialogue arises amid renewed discussions about alleged overcapacity in China’s green industry, particularly claims of China exporting subsidized electric vehicles (EVs) to Europe.

Addressing these claims, Zheng argued that such narratives defy market principles and economic logic. He emphasized that protectionism would hinder the global response to climate change and the green transition, asserting that China will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of its enterprises.

Habeck acknowledged the negative trend of global protectionism and noted that restrictive measures limiting production could harm the global economy.

The Beijing dialogue yielded several achievements, including initiating green transition cooperation between provinces in China and federal states in Germany.

Yuan Shenglong, deputy director and associate research fellow at the Institute for International Economic Research of the NDRC, mentioned that enhanced cooperation on new energy and green transition between China and Germany could unlock more market opportunities, especially as Germany faces economic challenges such as weak exports and high energy costs.

Despite these positive developments, there are dissenting voices. The European Commission recently proposed tariffs of up to 38.1 percent on Chinese EVs, in addition to the standard 10 percent vehicle duty. Yuan criticized this plan as trade protectionism, arguing that it contravenes the EU’s free trade policy and could undermine both the EU’s green transition and the global fight against climate change, while not significantly affecting the growth of China’s new energy vehicle sector.

The high-level dialogue is expected to bolster common ground and mutual trust, preventing differences from hindering long-term green cooperation and benefiting China, the EU, and the wider world. China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported. CGTN article can be referred here 

As per EDGAR, Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research of the European Commission, China contributes 29% of global greenhouse gas emissions while Germany only contributes 1.6%. More details can be read hereAccording to the IEA(International Energy Agency) data, the main source of greenhouse gas emissions in China is coal. The percentage is 79%. Considering various sectors, more greenhouse gas releases happen from electricity and heat production, followed by industry, transport and agriculture.More details can be read here .