The China-EU summit in Brussels will focus on political and economic relations, with climate change atop the agenda. Both Beijing and Brussels have been preparing to announce their intention to accelerate joint efforts to reduce global carbon emissions.

China has consistently delivered the same message - China is committed to the Paris Agreement and its role in tackling global climate change.

The Paris accord aims to limit global warming by reducing carbon emissions. It was agreed to by nearly 200 countries in 2015. On Thursday, the agreement will come to the fore once again as Brussels hosts the China-EU summit.

US President Donald Trump vowed during his election campaign to "cancel the Paris Climate Agreement" within 100 days of becoming president. However, the UN has warned should Trump keep swimming against the tide, the only losers would be US citizens. 

China is investing heavily in green economy. For example, the country has earmarked more than 250 billion US dollars for renewable energy, nearly 490 billion for “smart grids” and 220 billion to tackle chronic air pollution.

With the Paris Agreement back in the headlines, it is clear that both the EU and China have much to gain from a closer partnership on climate change.