Navigating climate complexity: EU-China diplomatic dynamics

Editor's note: Rizwan Basir, a special commentator for CGTN, is a sociologist who works as a Climate Finance Specialist at the Climate Resourcing Coordination Center based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

A delegation of European climate diplomats, led by Tony Agotha, the EU's Special Envoy for Climate and Environmental Diplomacy has embarked on a trip to China and engaged in discussions with Chinese climate officials. The highly anticipated visit aims to lay the groundwork for future collaboration between the world's top and third-highest greenhouse gas emitters.

Currently, the EU finds itself in a complex dynamic with China, highlighted by its recent anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicle imports, while China has imposed restrictions on key electric vehicle battery component exports. This interplay of competition and cooperation characterizes the EU-China climate relationship.

Furthermore, climate concerns hold varying degrees of importance for China and the EU, shaping their priorities within the broader context of their relationship. While Brussels claims to address climate issues independently of other areas such as trade or politics, China perceives climate matters as one aspect of its broader foreign engagement strategy. Fu Cong, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, emphasized this approach, stating, "global climate governance does not happen in a vacuum. One should not seek political confrontation on the one hand and expect unconditional cooperation on the other."

The U.S.'s retreat from the Paris Agreements during the former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration paved the way for increased EU-China interdependence on climate issues in the past and a similar scenario might unfold after the 2024 U.S. elections. In case of a similar withdrawal by the U.S. from its international climate commitments, China and the EU should discuss a possible collaboration in areas of green technology and resource supply chains. This period would offer a golden opportunity to revamp their climate cooperation and set a high benchmark for global climate leadership.

Considering these developments, certain focus areas might take center stage in the ongoing climate negotiations. Firstly, there will be increased competition for market share and technological cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fostering healthy clean-tech market regimes rather than relying solely on negotiation processes to reduce emissions.

Secondly, substantial domestic investments in research and innovation will be necessary for China to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, while the EU has its own Innovation Fund aimed at reinforcing global technology leadership. Exploring synergies and areas of cooperation in technological advancements will be crucial for both sides.

Thirdly, ensuring access to critical raw materials for green technology will be vital, with China processing the majority of these materials while the EU aims to diversify its supply chains. Policy-level discussions on maintaining access to critical raw materials will be important.

Additionally, the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism may spark conflict by imposing tariffs on products from high-emission jurisdictions. Aligning sustainable finance standards between the EU and China through platforms like the International Platform on Sustainable Finance could enhance investment in low-carbon sectors.

For continued cooperation, several key areas warrant attention. Firstly, there is a need to strengthen climate governance frameworks, recognizing that decisions about global climate governance are no longer solely confined to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Both the EU and China can utilize climate diplomacy to engage directly and collaborate on joint climate action, while also bolstering international climate governance frameworks.

Secondly, discussions should focus on sharing best practices and strategies between key European and Chinese development and export finance institutions. This exchange could include environmental standards, climate risk assessments, and strategies to reduce exposure to coal and other fossil-fuel investment portfolios.

Lastly, the China-EU high-level dialogue on climate and the environment presents an opportunity for expanded cooperation. This dialogue, established as a new channel between the two regions, should encompass collaboration on the challenges of the green transition and the impacts of climate change.

The talks between China's climate officials and European diplomats are crucial for global climate cooperation. Strengthening climate governance, sharing best practices, and expanding dialogues are essential steps toward addressing urgent climate challenges. Together, China and the EU can lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

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