Korea-China Climate Change Cooperation: 5th Joint Committee Meeting

The fifth Korea-China Climate Change Cooperation Joint Committee convened in Beijing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to expanded collaboration in addressing climate change, following a period of seven years since the fourth meeting in 2019.

Led by Korea’s Climate Change Envoy, Keun Jongho, and Xia Yingxian, the Special Representative for Climate Change Affairs of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the committee meeting served as a follow-up to agreements reached during the January 2026 Korea-China summit. During that summit, both countries agreed to broaden the scope of their cooperation beyond previous focuses on fine dust mitigation to encompass broader climate change initiatives, according to statements released by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Discussions centered on evaluating the key outcomes of the 30th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) and sharing perspectives on expectations and potential outcomes of the upcoming 31st session (COP31). Both sides acknowledged the shift from the negotiation phase of the Paris Agreement to its implementation stage, exchanging views on critical areas such as mitigation, adaptation, just transition, and climate-trade linkages.

Both nations presented their 2035 National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and outlined their respective domestic climate and energy policies. The Korean delegation detailed plans for a transition towards a renewable energy-centered energy system and the development of strategies for decarbonizing all sectors of the economy. The Chinese side presented key goals and policies outlined in its 15th Five-Year Plan, and expressed interest in Korea’s domestic carbon market policies and current status.

The joint committee as well addressed the need for enhanced international efforts to promote climate action. Korean officials emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborative efforts to improve air quality, while both sides agreed to continue and expand communication on climate change issues.

Envoy Keun is scheduled to participate in a Korea-China Climate Change Cooperation Roundtable as part of the 2026 Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on March 27, where he will engage with government and private sector experts to discuss climate change response and green transition cooperation.