China and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling global environmental challenges by pledging to enhance cooperation on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and plastic pollution control. This commitment was made during a meeting between China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, and Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia.
The discussions highlighted the importance of the China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue and focused on key areas such as global biodiversity protection, ongoing negotiations for an international plastic pollution agreement, and preparations for the upcoming 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). Both parties underscored the significance of maintaining constructive cooperation on environmental protection, a partnership that has been sustained over many years.
Huang Runqiu emphasized the critical need for strengthening communication, implementing existing agreements, and advancing shared priorities through international cooperation. A significant part of the dialogue involved the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to have at least 30 percent of degraded ecosystems under effective restoration by 2030.
Expressing optimism for positive outcomes at COP17 and COP31, Huang voiced hopes for China and the EU to continue their collaborative efforts in enhancing global environmental governance. Teresa Ribera welcomed China’s contributions to environmental protection and climate negotiations, expressing her support for ongoing dialogue and closer cooperation in these areas.
The renewed cooperation between China and the EU underscores the critical role both parties play in advancing international environmental agreements and promoting a sustainable future. Their collaboration is seen as a vital step towards addressing pressing environmental issues and achieving significant progress in global environmental governance.
