Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen today hosted China's Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, for the 10th Australia-China Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Together, Australia and China are unlocking the economic opportunities of the global clean energy transformation - empowering households to take control of their energy bills through electrification and helping nations make their energy grids more secure and reliable.
Ministers discussed the economic opportunities of the global shift to net zero and the opportunity to strengthen energy security while transitioning away from fossil fuels. They underscored the importance of accelerating climate action to achieve net zero by or around mid-century, in keeping with the science.
Further to the discussion between Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li in April, and subsequent Ministerial exchanges, the Dialogue emphasised the importance of both countries working to ensure energy security for both nations, including the continued flow of liquid fuels.
With Australia leading COP31 negotiations, Ministers agreed to work together in the lead up to and at COP31 to support global emissions reduction goals, furthering the shared aim of building trade and economic opportunities in both countries and around the world.
Ministers Bowen and Huang discussed the benefits of increasing electrification, including economic growth, energy security, job creation and improved public health and downward pressure on household budgets by helping homes take charge of their energy bills.
Ministers also welcomed efforts to strengthen emissions accounting and adaptation policy initiatives and agreed to continue our exchange in these areas in the national interest of both countries.
Engagement with Beijing on climate change is in line with Australia's broader policy on China of cooperating where we can, disagreeing where we must and engaging in our national interest.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"By strengthening understanding and cooperation with one of the world's largest economies, we are able to strengthen global energy security and help insulate households from global price shocks, in our national interest.
"In leading global climate negotiations, Australia is driving practical international action and working with our major trade partners to unlock the economic opportunities of electrification, which is putting downward pressure on energy bills.
"I look forward to working constructively with all our international partners, including China, to accelerate electrification and the energy transition in the lead-up to COP31."
