History and Current Status of Sino-Japanese Environmental Protection Cooperation (2007–2020s)

History and Current Status of Sino-Japanese Environmental Protection Cooperation (2007–2020s)

In 2007, during talks between Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the "Joint Statement on Further Strengthening Environmental Protection Cooperation" was issued, outlining cooperation in ten areas including NOx reduction, yellow sand prevention, and technology transfer. During the 2010s, Japanese companies actively participated in China's air pollution prevention plans and renewable energy expansion. Companies like Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kyocera advanced technology transfers. In the 2020s, President Xi Jinping set the goal of carbon neutrality. Japanese companies expanded their operations in the Chinese market while adapting to environmental regulations. Cooperation between local governments also progressed, with Kyoto City and Xi'an City implementing joint initiatives to improve air quality. Collaboration on climate change and air pollution countermeasures is contributing to building a sustainable future for all of Asia.