Climateupdated 1h ago2 min read
Li Gao Urges COP31 Debate On Trade Barriers For Electric Vehicles And Solar Panels
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China urges COP31 to debate tariffs hindering electric vehicles and solar panels. Li Gao says trade barriers threaten global energy transition and climate cooperation.
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Tariffs enter COP31
China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment Li Gao urged COP31 to debate trade barriers affecting electric vehicles and solar panels, framing the issue as part of the energy transition dispute with the United States and the European Union. Li Gao said, “We believe the conference should deeply debate the old problems of insufficient emissions reductions and developed countries’ financial support, as well as the new challenges of unilateralism and protectionism, which undermine global collective efforts,” at a press conference organized by the State Council (Executive) in Beijing.
Li Gao also called for a more open international trading system that facilitates the circulation of low-emission technologies and products, while he did not propose concrete measures to eliminate levies or explicitly name Washington or Brussels. COP31 is scheduled for November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Turkey, with a leaders’ summit on the 11th and 12th and a day dedicated to financing and trade on the 13th, according to the COP31 agenda described in the coverage.
Finance and electrification
Li Gao pressed for progress in climate finance for developing countries, aiming to mobilize at least $300 billion annually by 2035 and to triple funds for adaptation. Li Gao also said the proposal to raise global electrification to 35% by 2035 aligns with China’s policies, while he avoided endorsing it explicitly and asked to consider differences among countries to achieve the “widest possible consensus.”
Li Gao’s priorities at COP31 also included measures such as reducing emissions of polluting gases, increasing funding for clean energy projects, and supporting a just transition. Coverage of the same press conference described Li Gao as remaining vague on the global electrification target while emphasizing combating green trade barriers and increasing climate finance.
Europe’s duties and China’s response
The European Union’s antidumping duties on certain electric products manufactured in China were described as reaching up to 35.3%, while the coverage also said the EU demanded a greater rebalancing of trade relations with Beijing. Ursula von der Leyen was cited for reminding after the latest European Council that the EU’s trade deficit with China reached roughly 1,000 million euros daily in 2025 and that in 2026 it will be even larger.
Li Gao argued that hindering the trade of electric vehicles, solar panels, or batteries through tariffs could raise the cost of deployment in other countries, while the United States and the European Union were described as framing the issue around preventing state aid and excessive productive capacity. Li Gao told reporters, “We suggest that the presidency continue to listen carefully to the views of all parties, seek the greatest common denominator, and work to obtain the broadest possible support.”