S. Korea, China discuss cooperation on tackling climate change, improving air quality

▲ South Korea and China hold their joint commission on climate change in Beijing on March 25, 2026, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

S Korea-China-climate talks

S. Korea, China discuss cooperation on tackling climate change, improving air quality

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and China on Wednesday discussed efforts to tackle climate change, including plans and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as ways to improve related air quality, the foreign ministry said.

Kyun Jong-ho, South Korea's ambassador for climate change, had the talks with Xia Yingxian, director general for climate change at China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, during their joint commission on climate change in Beijing, the ministry said in a release.

The two sides exchanged details of their status regarding the action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also known as the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Kyun highlighted South Korea's efforts toward renewable energy transition in order to meet its emission reduction commitments, saying the country plans to develop detailed decarbonization strategies across its industrial, economic and social sectors.

Xia introduced China's related objectives and policies under its recently announced five-year climate change plan and expressed interest in South Korea's carbon market policy, the ministry said.

At the talks, Kyun also proposed the two countries step up efforts to improve air quality, which is directly affected by the climate change issue, the ministry added.

Due to geographical proximity, seasonal dust and industrial emissions from China are often cited as contributing factors to South Korea's air pollution and springtime yellow dust.

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