China Daily:
The white paper outlines energy cooperation policies under the Belt and Road Initiative and the achievements made since 2012. Are there any new guiding philosophies in place for energy cooperation under the initiative? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
Thank you for your question. It is fair to say that Chinas energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has achieved significant results. Currently, many major energy cooperation projects are in progress, multilateral and bilateral mechanisms are constantly improving, and exchanges in energy policies and technologies are becoming more frequent. All of these have played a positive role in promoting socioeconomic development in the Belt and Road countries.
The global economic recovery has become uncertain amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries have adopted green development policies to promote post-pandemic economic recovery. Moreover, a transition to global clean energy is also accelerating. Given the new circumstances and challenges, we will uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits; pursue open, green, and clean governance; step up efforts to achieve high-quality, people-centered, and sustainable goals, and; promote the superior development of international energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
On the one hand, we will engage in international cooperation for energy governance. We will uphold the principles of openness and inclusiveness so as to establish Belt and Road energy partnerships, promote mutually beneficial energy cooperation, and conduct joint research and exchanges. We will continue to strengthen cooperation with international organizations and multilateral mechanisms and engage in multilateral energy cooperation and exchange activities.
On the other hand, we will promote the high-quality development of energy cooperation programs. We will engage in the global energy transition and research, and promote cooperation with relevant countries in nuclear power, wind power, solar photovoltaic power, smart energy, and smart grid, as well as interconnectivity. We will also study policies to integrate green energy and green finance, and promote bilateral and multilateral programs. Intensified efforts will be made to promote third-party and multiple party cooperation so as to achieve synergies in energy cooperation among BRI countries. Thank you.
