In a bold geopolitical maneuver, the UK is working to forge a new global coalition in favor of aggressive climate action—partnering with China and a coalition of developing nations to counterbalance the impact of Donald Trump’s rollback on green policies. The move comes as Trump strengthens ties with climate-opposing powers like Russia and Saudi Arabia, threatening to stall international progress on emissions cuts.
UK Energy and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband arrived in Beijing on Friday for a three-day diplomatic push. His agenda? Securing cooperation on green technology supply chains, coal policy, and critical minerals—resources essential for scaling clean energy industries. The UK’s green economy is expanding three times the pace of the broader economy. Still, its momentum hinges on reliable access to key components and raw materials.
He said: “We can only keep future generations safe from climate change if all major emitters act. It is simply an act of negligence to today’s and future generations not to engage China on how it can play its part in taking action on climate.
He wrote in the Guardian: “Climate action at home without pushing other, larger countries to do their fair share would not protect current and future generations. We will only protect our farmers, our pensioners, and our children if we get other countries of the world to play their part.”
China, meanwhile, finds itself at the center of a brewing trade war. Already facing punitive tariffs from Trump on exports to the US, it may soon encounter EU carbon tariffs on high-emission goods like steel. Yet, despite being the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter, China remains a powerhouse in low-carbon industries, profiting from record exports of electric vehicles, solar panels, and renewable energy components.
However, China’s long-term climate trajectory is uncertain. Though its emissions growth appears to have plateaued, the nation’s deep reliance on coal remains a sticking point. Whether Beijing doubles down on decarbonization—or retreats to fossil fuels—could hinge on its response to escalating trade pressures.
With mounting geopolitical tensions and Trump’s climate-hostile stance, many experts see a pro-climate alliance as the world’s best hope to stave off catastrophic global warming. This bloc—comprised of China, the EU, the UK, and climate-vulnerable developing nations—could act as a counterforce against fossil fuel expansion pushed by the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and other petrostates.
Catherine Abreu, the director of the International Climate Politics Hub, said: “It’s really important to see this happening – there is no way to fulfil the Paris agreement without China. And China has made clear it is willing to be more vocal on these issues, to boost climate action. We see an openness in China to band together with Europe, Canada, the UK on climate issues.”
Miliband’s trip to Beijing marks the first visit by a UK energy secretary in eight years, underscoring the urgency of his mission. It follows his recent diplomatic efforts in India, Brazil, and COP29 meetings with developing nations. Yet, despite these negotiations, the outlook for securing the deep emissions cuts required to keep warming within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels looks increasingly bleak.
The UN COP30 climate summit, set to take place in Brazil’s Amazon region this November, comes during unprecedented global tensions. With governments prioritizing military spending over climate investment, optimism for a unified international response is fading.
Adding to the challenge, most countries—including China—have yet to submit their updated emissions reduction plans despite last month’s deadline under the Paris Agreement. The UK remains one of the few countries that have complied, while China’s long-awaited plan is expected to be much closer to COP30. The stakes are high—China’s existing climate commitments fall far short of the 1.5°C target, making its next move critical.
Beyond diplomacy, Miliband faces another challenge: China’s overwhelming dominance in the low-carbon technology market. As Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, points out, the UK’s aspirations for a thriving green economy may require strategic recalibration in light of China’s economic leverage.
“We need to be honest about the economic reality,” he said. “All countries in the world are hoping for a share of the green pie. But that is not aligned with the economic reality … that they can’t outcompete China.”
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