On 19 November, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming had an online meeting with Sir Laurie Bristow, UK Regional Ambassador for the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Ambassador Liu said, last month, the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee reviewed and approved "the CPC Central Committee's Proposals for the Formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035", of which tackling climate change and promoting green development are the key components. A few days ago, President Xi Jinping reiterated China's medium- to long-term goal and vision for climate change at the 12th BRICS Summit, fully demonstrating China's determination to follow a path of green and low-carbon development. In 2021, China and the UK will host COP15, i.e. the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and COP26 respectively. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the UK and support each other in ensuring the success of the two conferences, so as to make positive contribution to the governance of global climate change and green development.

Sir Laurie said that President Xi Jinping's recent announcement of China's mid- to long-term goal and vision for addressing climate change has inspired the international community. The British side is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in hosting the COP26 and COP15. He was convinced that the two conferences will complement each other and form a strong synergy.

They also exchanged views on new energy vehicles (NEVs). Ambassador Liu said that China attaches great importance to developing NEVs and will continue to promote high-quality and sustainable development of this sector. Sir Laurie said that China is a leader in NEVs, and the UK is willing to strengthen dialogue and exchanges with China in the relevant field.