SCO Energy Ministerial Meeting in China's Ningbo focuses on energy transition, sustainable development

The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Energy Ministerial Meeting kicked off in Ningbo city, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Thursday, attracting energy officials, representatives, and diplomatic envoys from SCO member states to share best practices in advancing energy transition and sustainable development.

At the opening ceremony, Wang Hongzhi, head of China's National Energy Administration (NEA), slammed the growing headwinds of unilateralism and protectionism that are significantly disrupting global energy trade, while reaffirming China's commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system and expanding cooperation in renewable energy investment and trade.

"China stands ready to collaborate with all parties in facilitating exchanges among energy enterprises, research institutions and universities, and in enhancing cooperation in clean and efficient fossil fuel technologies, renewable energy innovation, and energy equipment manufacturing to accelerate the energy transition," Wang said.

As the world's largest regional cooperation organization by both geographical coverage and population, the SCO has demonstrated steady progress in renewable energy development, making substantive contributions to global energy transition efforts.

The meeting has so far yielded concrete results, with 25 energy projects signed worth about 40 billion yuan (about 5.6 billion U.S. dollars), representing a total installed capacity of 12 million kilowatts.

SCO Energy Ministerial Meeting in China's Ningbo focuses on energy transition, sustainable development

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.

The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.

"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.

"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.

ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle