During a panel discussion on climate leadership at the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, Liu China’s former vice-minister for foreign affairs, addressed the issue of China’s industrial overcapacity. This comes as the US and EU imposed higher tariffs on Chinese goods like EVs and solar panels due to alleged unfair subsidies causing distortion in the market.
Liu emphasized the global demand for renewable energy products and China’s role in leading innovation and manufacturing in this sector. Despite Western pressures, China aims to maintain current production capacities to transition to clean energy and support national deployment.
He highlighted the importance of affordable clean energy technologies for achieving carbon neutrality and emphasized the need for unity in navigating energy transitions. Liu warned against unilateral actions like tariffs, which could increase costs and hinder global energy goals.
Overall, Liu’s remarks underscored China’s commitment to sustainable energy production amidst geopolitical tensions, with Premier Li Qiang also emphasizing the positive impact of Chinese companies in the international renewable energy market.