On May 30, 2021, Premier Li Keqiang attended and addressed the Second Summit of Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) via video link.

Li Keqiang said that COVID-19, still rampant globally, worsens world economic instability and uncertainty and imposes severe challenge on the green and sustainable development. In face of the difficulties and impacts, the international community should support and help each other and strive to make development and green transformation go hand in hand and reinforce each other for the growth of higher quality and higher levels.

Li Keqiang pointed out that never in history has a developing country as large as China attempted to realize low-carbon and green development during its process of modernization and a good life for the people by the mid-21st century, which calls for arduous efforts. Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared that China aims to peak carbon emission by 2030 and become carbon neutrality by 2060. China will establish and perfect its green, low-carbon and circular economic system to promote the all-round green transformation of economic and social development. Strategic priority will be given to carbon emission reduction and effectively coordinate pollutant reduction and emission reduction. China will host the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in October, wishing to work with the international community to advance global bio-diversity governance to a new level.

Li Keqiang gave a three-prong proposal.

First, solidarity and coordination are needed to win the war against COVID-19. No country can ensure its development as long as the pandemic continues, nor could it detach itself from our interconnected world in the face of our common enemy COVID-19. Solidarity and coordination are the sure way for us to move forward. We should enhance international cooperation in the pandemic control and further polish the global health governance system. We should also strengthen policy coordination to secure the safety and stability of global industrial chains and supply chains through "fast tracks", "green lanes" and more flexible ways.

Second, reformative ways should be taken to promote green, low-carbon transformation. No country should stick to the high-polluting, high-emission development paths in post-pandemic recovery. Instead, we should firmly pursue both economic development and environmental protection and prevent the impulse to extensive growth. We should seize the new opportunities brought by pandemic-driven business models, accelerating digital transformation and the stimulated new drivers for economic growth to boost high-quality development.

Third, considerations should be given to developing countries with specific difficulties. The international community should uphold the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, attach great importance to the concerns and appeals of developing countries and give them greater technical, financial and capability assistance to help their green, low-carbon transformation. We should secure the system of WTO-centric multilateral trade rules, be on guard against new green trade barriers, and stand against unilateralism and protectionism.

Li Keqiang stressed that green is the theme of future development. China will join hands with all sides to push ahead the green recovery and create a better future for mankind.

The Second P4G Summit was hosted by the Republic of Korea via video link and attended by the leaders of more than 60 countries and international organizations.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office of The People’s Republic of China