China has signed 53 MOUs on South-South climate cooperation with 42 countries

China has signed 53 memoranda of understanding on South-South climate cooperation with 42 developing countries, demonstrating its commitment to bolstering climate initiatives with other developing nations through the South-South cooperation framework, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Xia Yingxian, director of the ministry's department of climate change, said the support has been provided particularly to the small island states, least developed countries, and African nations.

Through these memoranda of understanding, China has initiated programs including the establishment of low-carbon demonstration zones, the execution of mitigation and adaptation projects, and the facilitation of exchange workshops, all aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing nations to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Xia has emphasized China's dedicated initiatives to assist developing nations in nurturing skilled professionals equipped to address climate challenges. This support includes hosting seminars on subjects such as mitigation strategies, adaptation techniques, and financial negotiations.

As of now, over 300 seminars have been held, benefiting more than 10,000 people from over 120 developing countries.

In Africa, Xia said China has been actively promoting South-South climate cooperation through a flagship project dubbed "Africa Solar Belt", which was launched by China in the first Africa Climate Summit in September 2023.

According to the ministry, the program aims to advance 100 million yuan ($14 million) for solar projects in regions not served by main power grids, which will help at least 50,000 families.

To date, China has forged cooperation agreements with five African nations to advance the program, with the aim of addressing the daily electricity requirements of nearly 30,000 households with no access to electricity, the director said.

Xia noted early warning as another priority in China's efforts to promote South-South climate cooperation.

Last year, the ministry, China Meteorological Administration and the World Meteorological Organization signed a cooperation agreement on supporting this United Nations' Early Warnings for All Initiative. And the first cooperative project under this agreement has been initiated with Pakistan, he said.

In the upcoming COP29 UN climate change conference, China will hold a high-level event themed on beefing up early warning, he announced.

Formerly known as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP29 is slated to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov 11 to 22.

Xia vowed consistent efforts from China to further beef up South-South climate cooperation, making full use of its strengths in areas such as photovoltaics, new energy vehicles, and early warning systems.

"Utilizing approaches such as providing material aid, offering technical support, organizing exchange workshops, and conducting joint research, we will implement practical cooperation projects to support other developing countries in their endeavors to cope with climate change to the best of our ability," he said.