China and Australia working together on sustainable transportation could set a powerful example to the rest of the world on the benefits of international collaboration on climate change, according to Vaughn Barber, chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce.
He said that Australia's focus on the transition to net zero meant the time was right for collaboration with China, a world leader in sustainable transport and new energy vehicles (NEVs).
"From an Australian perspective, I think a key focus is on the transition to net zero, and we believe that the scenario that's ripe for collaboration with China, particularly with the bilateral relationship now stabilizing and improving," Barber said during a panel discussion at the third Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit in Beijing on Monday.
"Chinese EVs are doing quite well in Australia and I see that the advantages that China has in technology, in scale and cost means that there's an immense potential for Chinese companies to partner with Australian companies in transforming our transportation sector," he said.
Barber said that by working together, Australia and China could accelerate progress towards a greener future.
"China brings technological advantages and cost advantages to the table. And by working together, Australia and China could not only accelerate decarbonization, accelerate transition towards a net zero future, but also give a powerful example of international collaboration in climate change," said Barber.
China, Australia can set strong example for collaboration on climate change: business leader
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
