Energy Secretary Miliband Launches Climate Talks in China

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband visited Beijing to re-establish formal climate discussions with Chinese officials, marking the first such meetings since 2017. Miliband emphasized the need for cooperation on climate issues, including carbon capture and the transition away from coal, while expressing concerns about China's emissions and human rights practices. During the visit, he signed a Clean Energy Partnership Memorandum of Understanding and announced plans for an annual UK-China climate dialogue, with the first summit set for London later this year. Miliband criticized the previous Conservative government's 'negligence' in engaging China on climate matters and aimed to position the UK as a leader in global climate action. He also raised issues related to forced labor and Hong Kong while underscoring the importance of addressing climate change collaboratively despite geopolitical tensions. The UK aims to fully decarbonize by 2050, while China seeks to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.