Canadian Environment Minister Leads Discussion on Green Transition at Chinese Summit
Canadian Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, is leading discussions on the green transition at the annual general meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) in Beijing. The summit, organized by the Chinese regime, focuses on the theme of Green Transition for High-Quality Development Modernization in Harmony with Nature. As the executive vice chairperson of the CCICED, Guilbeault is expected to deliver a keynote speech addressing climate change and environmental issues.
Canada has been a key supporter of the CCICED since its establishment in 1992 and is the largest international donor to the organization. As a result, Canada has the privilege of appointing an executive vice chairperson, a role previously occupied by Canadian environment ministers. Despite being chaired by a member of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Guilbeault’s office describes the CCICED as an independent international forum. The body is overseen by China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and supports the country’s national five-year plans.
Guilbeault believes that climate change and environmental issues are global challenges that require engagement with various stakeholders and partners. He believes that the severity of recent weather events in Canada has sensitized the public to the importance of addressing climate change and thinks that a ministerial visit to China on this topic is timely.
Despite concerns about Beijing’s interference in Canadian democracy, Guilbeault remains committed to cooperating with China on issues like climate change and nature. The Conservative Party has called for Guilbeault’s resignation from the CCICED and the cancellation of his trip to China, but he has dismissed these demands. While he has not committed to raising the issue of election interference, Guilbeault asserts that there will be instances where confrontation is necessary, but cooperation on climate change is also essential.
Guilbeault’s visit marks the first by a Canadian minister to China since 2019. Following the arrest of Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. extradition request in 2018, China significantly reduced high-level bilateral interactions with Canada. Guilbeault sees this trip as an opportunity to rebuild ties and address key issues such as methane emissions reductions and a global renewable energy target. He believes that there are significant opportunities for cooperation with the Chinese government.
In summary, Canadian Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is leading discussions on the green transition at the CCICED’s annual general meeting in Beijing. Despite concerns about Beijing’s interference in Canadian democracy, Guilbeault remains committed to cooperating with China on climate change and environmental issues. This visit is seen as an opportunity to rebuild ties and address important issues related to methane emissions and renewable energy targets.
