Green energy transition offers opportunities

The meetings of China's top legislature and political advisory body, which come amid Beijing's focus on high-quality development, could benefit China-Australia partnership as Canberra seeks opportunities to deepen bilateral economic cooperation in the face of global uncertainties, an Australian expert said.

China's two sessions, emphasizing high-quality economic development through innovation, sustainability and technological advancement, signal "potential for deepened bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas where Australia's resource strengths align with China's growth priorities", said Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor at Australia's Queensland University of Technology whose research covers international political economy.

The annual gatherings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee are convening in Beijing this week, when a Government Work Report was delivered on Thursday and will be discussed and approved. This year, the approval of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development is also high on the agenda.

China's push for green energy transition, including green hydrogen and battery technologies, can help foster joint ventures, "enhancing Australia's export markets and attracting Chinese investment in renewable infrastructure", Powell told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

"This direction might steer Australia's development toward a more diversified economy, reducing reliance on traditional commodities like iron ore by pivoting to value-added sectors such as clean tech and advanced manufacturing," said Powell, who served as a policy adviser to former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd.

Australia's major moves toward its next stages of development include its "Future Made in Australia" policy, which aims to build "a stronger, more diversified and more resilient economy powered by clean energy", as set out in the nation's 2024-25 budget.

"By aligning policies, Australia could benefit from technology transfers and market access, promoting mutual economic resilience amid global uncertainties," Powell said.

"Overall, this emphasis encourages Australia to innovate in sustainable practices, potentially setting a trajectory for long-term growth through collaborative R&D and trade partnerships, bolstering economic ties."

The potential of Australia-China partnerships for high-quality development, ranging from clean energy to innovations in building materials and construction, agriculture technology, bioscience, and biopharmaceuticals, could "offer industrial-level opportunities, with China's expanding consumer market

also benefiting Australian exporters in food, beverages, and skincare", he said.

China is Australia's largest trading partner. In 2024-25, two-way goods and services trade totaled $309 billion, accounting for 24 percent of Australia's global trade.

Australian goods and services exports to China reached $189 billion over the same period, representing 29 percent of its total exports worldwide.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said increased engagement with China has led to positive developments in the bilateral trade relationship.

"Major opportunities arise from joint projects addressing climate goals, such as co-developing EV (electric vehicle) batteries or sustainable farming tech," Powell said. Australia-China cooperation in high-quality development can also contribute to regional stability and progress, in the current international landscape "marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and climate crises", he added.

xinxin@chinadaily.com.cn