On December 5, 2025, the Leading Working Group on Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) convened a high-level meeting in Beijing. Senior ministry officials attended to review progress and deliberate on key tasks for the upcoming period.

Since China announced its timeline for achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality—widely referred to as the “dual carbon” goals—in 2021, these objectives have been a central pillar of national strategy. The meeting highlighted the critical role of the industrial and information technology sectors, noting that industry is not only essential for emission reduction but also serves as a key provider of technologies and equipment necessary to realize the final goals. Significant progress was recognized during the 14th Five-year Plan period, including the formation of a comprehensive and integrated new energy industrial chain, the widespread adoption of green and low-carbon technologies, and substantial reductions in energy consumption across relevant sectors.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the meeting outlined priority tasks. In the area of policy formulation, key efforts will include drafting the Planning for Industrial Green and Low-carbon Development in the 15th Five-year Plan Period and advancing the implementation of existing high-level policy documents. These include the Action Plans for Green and Low-carbon Development in Manufacturing Sectors (2025-2027), issued by the State Council in May 2025, and the Implementation Plan for Carbon Peaking in Industrial Sectors, jointly released by MIIT and two other national ministries in July 2022.

Regarding working principles for 2026, the meeting emphasized that MIIT’s dual-carbon efforts must strengthen top-level planning while ensuring effective implementation. It also called for improving the sectoral work system and enhancing management mechanisms. Key technical and operational priorities include accelerating the upgrading of technical equipment in critical industries, bolstering the supply of technologies, standards, and testing methods for carbon peaking and neutrality, and promoting comprehensive industrial resource utilization. Furthermore, innovative initiatives such as building zero-carbon factories and calculating product carbon footprints will be pursued, alongside tapping into the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Enhanced coordination both within MIIT and across other ministries was underscored as vital to pooling resources and building synergistic momentum.

For foreign stakeholders, the meeting provides a valuable outline of MIIT’s strategic direction on green and low-carbon affairs. The key takeaways serve as a useful reference for understanding and anticipating related policies and planning initiatives expected in 2026.

Chinese source of the article: https://wap.miit.gov.cn/xwfb/bldhd/art/2025/art_c787ce7c5a904c4cb7b8057444a9d3dd.html