China has reiterated its commitment to halting the funding of coal power projects overseas, in line with its global climate action goals and pledge to promote renewable energy partnerships.
Speaking at a special interactive session with participants of the Ghana-China Media Fellowship 2025 in Accra, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tong Defa, reaffirmed Beijing’s policy shift, which was first announced by President Xi Jinping at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2021.
The policy marks a historic departure from China’s decades-long role as one of the world’s largest financiers of coal infrastructure, especially through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Research by the Global Energy Monitor and Boston University shows that, prior to the 2021 pledge, Chinese institutions were involved in over 70% of all coal plants under construction globally outside China.
Since then, several planned coal projects have been suspended or cancelled, signalling Beijing’s strategic pivot toward financing green energy and sustainable infrastructure in partner countries.
Ambassador Tong stressed that China’s renewed focus aligns with international climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement and its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
He noted that the transition offers new opportunities for Africa, including the expansion of renewable energy technologies and climate-smart investments.
The Ambassador’s remarks came during the inaugural 12-week Ghana-China Media Fellowship hosted by the Africa China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA), which aims to strengthen the capacity of Ghanaian journalists to report on Ghana-China relations.
“China’s support will increasingly focus on projects that promote sustainability, economic resilience, and shared prosperity,” Mr. Tong told the fellows, adding that Africa’s renewable energy potential makes it a strong partner in the global green transition.
His statement underscores China’s evolving environmental diplomacy and its shift from traditional energy investments to clean energy collaboration with developing countries.
For Ghana and the wider African region, this could mean a boost in access to solar, wind, and hydropower infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
