Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: VCG
The story of the global energy transition should not be a "China story." Rather, it should be a "global story" of solidarity and cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized on Wednesday, urging all countries to contribute to global energy transition goals.
To realize global energy transition goals, all countries need to work together. Developed countries, in particular, need to honor their words and create favorable conditions for international green cooperation. Protectionism, unilateralism, and politicization will only harm the common interests of the international community, Lin noted at a press conference.
Over the past decade, China has generated over half of its domestic electricity consumption increase through increase in clean energy generation, accounted for over 40 percent of the world's annual additional installation of renewable energy, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by about 3 billion tons. It is one of the countries with the fastest reduction and the top one user of renewable energy, Lin said.
Lin's comments came in response to two reports by the International Energy Agency: the World Energy Outlook 2024 and Renewables 2024. The Renewables 2024 report highlighted China's anticipated role in leading the global renewables market, with the country projected to account for 60 percent of the worldwide capacity expansion by 2030.
China has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and has been accelerating its growth in the green industry, including the development of green energy technologies and the establishment of a green industry chain, Tian Yun, a veteran economist based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Europe once led in promoting the green transition and reducing carbon emissions, but China has rapidly advanced in clean energy development through initiatives like new-energy vehicles (NEVs) and solar power, positioning itself as a leader in the sector. However, political actions by the US and the European Commission, including high import tariffs on Chinese NEVs, have significantly affected the global energy transition, Tian said.
The international community should progress together in developing clean energy and avoiding the suppression of China's new-energy industries for political purposes, Tian added.
Global Times