China and EU pledge deeper cooperation on climate change

The EU and China are set to pledge deeper cooperation on the Paris climate agreement and to promote clean energy technologies, according to a draft leader’s statement for their summit on Thursday and Friday.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during an annual meeting between the heads of the two countries' governments in Berlin, capital of Germany, May 31, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

“The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative,” according to the statement. “Stepping up action will provide both sides with significant opportunities.”

A senior EU official told reporters that the EU and China will also "spell out" how they plan to meet their commitments to the landmark international accord to fight global warming at talks in Brussels on Friday.

"The EU and China are joining forces to forge ahead on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and accelerate the global transition to clean energy," EU climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said about the upcoming EU-China summit, stressing they remain committed to Paris. 

(AP contributed to the story)