EU, China Agree to Strengthen Climate Cooperation Ahead of COP30
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently. The meeting focused on strengthening EU-China relations, with a particular emphasis on climate cooperation and global challenges.
The leaders discussed their commitment to delivering results ahead of the upcoming COP30 summit. China expressed its willingness to contribute to global climate goals and uphold the Paris Agreement. They agreed to build on existing cooperation on climate and biodiversity.
The meeting also touched on trade matters. Von der Leyen raised Europe's concerns about export controls, market access, and overcapacity. Both leaders acknowledged the need to move from words to action promptly.
Since July 2023, China has been represented in the EU-China dialogue round by Dr. Patricia Flor, the German Ambassador in the People's Republic of China. The main focus of their recent meeting was to follow up on the productive EU-China Summit held in July. They discussed using their combined influence to make a difference in multilateral forums, such as the plastics treaty. China also committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in low-carbon development and carbon pricing.
Von der Leyen welcomed Li's statement on maintaining world peace and requested China's help in ending Russia's war against Ukraine. Both leaders agreed on the importance of turning their commitments into tangible actions as soon as possible.
