BEIJING (CHATNEWSTV) — The United Kingdom and China have restarted formal climate talks for the first time in nearly eight years, as British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband urged Beijing to take stronger action on emissions, calling it a “necessity” for global climate security.
Miliband, who is visiting Beijing, met with China’s National Energy Administrator Minister Wang Hongzhi and Environment Minister Huang Runqiu to push for cooperation on clean energy and emissions reductions. The UK and China agreed to establish a formal Climate Dialogue, with Chinese ministers set to visit London later this year.
“We can only keep future generations safe from climate change if all major emitters act,” Miliband said. “It is simply an act of negligence not to engage China on how it can play its part.”
China, the world’s largest emitter, produces more greenhouse gases than the U.S., EU, India, and UK combined, but it is also the leading investor in renewable energy. The UK government sees renewed engagement as crucial to securing global progress on climate action.
The Energy Secretary is expected to update and expand the UK’s Clean Energy Partnership with China, first established a decade ago. The agreement will focus on areas of mutual benefit, including hydrogen, carbon capture, and phasing out coal.
Miliband also raised concerns about human rights, forced labor in supply chains, and China’s ties with Russia. “This relationship must be pragmatic—cooperating where we can, competing where we need to, and challenging where we must,” he said.
The UK government’s broader strategy aims to bolster its clean energy sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, drive down energy costs, and enhance national security. British officials argue that deepening climate engagement with China aligns with this mission.
The visit marks a shift in UK-China relations, as the two nations seek common ground on climate action despite broader geopolitical tensions.
