On the invitation of Chinese Environment Minister Zhou Shengxian, Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, together with a business delegation, will travel to China on Sunday to hold political talks. "Both governments agree that only a rapid change of course can avoid unmanageable consequences of climate change", Minister Gabriel commented before leaving for Beijing. The Federal Environment Minister will also meet with Xie Zhenhua, Special Representative on Climate Change and Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, with Research Minister Wan Gang and Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun.
The Chinese government has announced that it aims at generating 20% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. "This is an ambitious target which exceeds the commitments made so far. It is in our own interest to support the Chinese government in its efforts. This is a matter not only of global environmental protection, but of the well-being and prosperity of present and future generations. At the same time, the target mobilises investments by German environmental technology companies in China, thus securing jobs in Germany", Minister Gabriel added.
In January 2009 the German and Chinese governments agreed to collaborate closely in combating climate change. The main responsibility for this cooperation is shared by China’s National Development and Reform Commission and the Federal Environment Ministry.