The eighth Energy Dialog between China and the UK has been held in Beijing on Monday. The two countries agreed to strengthen energy cooperation along with joint efforts to build a more sustainable future. Bi Ran has the details.

Wang Hongzhi, Administrator of the National Energy Administration of China, was joined by Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in the Chinese capital Beijing, where they jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a clean energy cooperation partnership. The agreement followed in-depth discussions on key issues in the energy field.

WANG HONGZHI Administrator, National Energy Administration of China "The common interests in the energy sector between China and the UK are broad, and the foundation for cooperation is strong. China is willing to actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote more mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes in China-UK energy cooperation."

Wang says China welcomes regular communications between the two sides. He adds Beijing is ready to work with the UK to improve the electricity market, innovate regulations, and tackle regulatory challenges as the share of new energy increases.

ED MILIBAND UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero "This is a time of immense challenges, but immense opportunities for our countries, and to the world. And as you said, energy partnership between our countries already achieved a lot, now we had a decade of cooperation on CCUS and also when we've seen work between our universities and research institutions. We have seen a long standing collaboration of national energy administration and new hydrogen energy storage forums. So we have made progress, but I'm here to very clearly say to you that United Kingdom is to deepen, strengthen our partnership."

The MOU clearly outlines key areas of cooperation, including power market reform, grids and battery storage. In support of the dialog, both sides will jointly hold several side events, including the 10th China-UK Offshore Wind Industry Advisory Group Annual Meeting, along with a series of seminars.

LEWIS NEAL Trade Commissioner, British Embassy Beijing "UK and China agreed to strengthen our dialogues in standards, regulation and policies in the field of green and light carbon development. Both countries agreed to continue to work together in a variety of ways to advance development, deployment of clean energy to underpin high quality, sustainable economic growth."

The scheduled events aim to provide opportunities for wide-ranging exchanges on practical experiences in the energy and climate fields, while exploring new areas for cooperation.

BI RAN Beijing "The last time the UK energy secretary visited China for a climate and energy dialogue was in 2017. This visit is an opportunity for the two countries to reengage in clean energy cooperation, and to update bilateral relationships after the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the UK last month. Bi Ran, CGTN, Beijing."