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.
The talks centred on how the two nations can capitalise on the economic opportunities presented by the global shift toward clean energy.
Officials framed the cooperation as a way to help households manage energy costs through electrification while supporting more secure and reliable energy grids internationally.
Ministers used the dialogue to explore the broader economic potential of the transition to net zero, alongside the challenge of maintaining energy security as both countries move away from fossil fuels.
They reaffirmed the need to accelerate climate action in order to meet net zero targets by or around mid-century, consistent with scientific guidance.
Building on discussions between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Li Qiang in April, and further ministerial contact since then, the dialogue placed particular emphasis on safeguarding energy security for both countries, including maintaining the continued flow of liquid fuels.
With Australia set to lead negotiations at COP31, the ministers agreed to collaborate in the lead-up to and during the summit to advance global emissions reduction efforts.
This work is intended to support broader trade and economic ties between the two nations and with other countries around the world.
Discussions also covered the advantages of expanding electrification, which officials said extends beyond emissions reduction to include economic growth, stronger energy security, job creation and public health benefits.
Electrification was also highlighted as a way to ease pressure on household budgets by giving families greater control over their energy use and costs.
The two sides welcomed ongoing efforts to improve emissions accounting frameworks and adaptation policy, and agreed to continue collaborating in these areas where it serves the national interest of both countries.
The engagement reflects Australia’s wider approach to its relationship with Beijing on climate issues, a policy built on cooperating where possible, disagreeing where necessary, and always acting in the national interest.
Bowen said the relationship with China carried significant weight given the size of its economy.
“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,” he said.
He also pointed to Australia’s role in shaping the international response to climate change ahead of COP31.
“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,” said Bowen.
Looking ahead to the Belém summit, Bowen said Australia intended to keep working closely with global partners.
“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.”
The dialogue marks the tenth iteration of the bilateral climate exchange between Australia and China, highlighting a sustained channel of engagement between the two countries on climate policy despite broader complexities in the relationship.
