Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, on Thursday morning, China's annual production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) surpassed the 10 million milestone for the first time, making China the world's first country to achieve this milestone. This is not only a milestone in the development of China's automobile industry but also a green milestone for global emissions reduction efforts. As global climate change profoundly impacts the lives of humans today and the welfare of future generations, the vigorous development of China's NEV industry not only benefits China's own high-quality economic development but also represents a major positive contribution to the world's green transformation and climate security.  

UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out on last year's World Sustainable Transport Day that the transport sector is responsible for approximately one quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. Ninety-one percent of the energy used in motorized transport on land, sea and air is derived from fossil fuels. This means that the low-carbon development of transportation tools is crucial to achieving global emission reduction targets. China's high-performance and reasonably priced NEVs are undoubtedly a blessing to the world.

An interesting observation is that many foreign bloggers on "China travel" said they were surprised by the widespread adoption of NEVs on Chinese streets. Through the large-scale promotion of NEVs, China has not only reduced its dependence on fossil fuels domestically and lowered air pollution but has also promoted this process globally, helping more countries and regions achieve "green travel." If we include Chinese companies' overseas factories, the contribution of Chinese NEVs to the world goes far beyond the 10 million units produced annually domestically. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2023, Chinese NEVs helped reduce global carbon emissions by approximately 50 million tons, and the emissions reduction contribution this year will be even greater. 
 
In 1995, China launched its first pure electric bus, the Yuanwang. Looking back from the milestone of 10 million units, the rapid development of China's NEV industry is nothing short of an "ascent." From a production volume of only 18,000 units in 2013, to reaching the million-unit mark in 2018, to today's 10-million-unit level, the exponential growth not only reflects China's technological progress and production capacity but also accurately mirrors the strong market demand for these products. In the January-October period this year, China's NEV production and sales increased by 33 percent and 33.9 percent year on year respectively. This demonstrates a balanced production and sales situation, with strong supply and demand, and is far from the so-called overcapacity. The global situation is similar. Last year, global NEV sales grew by a remarkable 35 percent, and according to the International Energy Agency's estimates, global NEV demand will reach 45 million by 2030 - more than triple the demand in 2023.

The development of China's NEV is not an isolated phenomenon; China's growth in green capacity is systematic. China has not only transformed "green" into high-quality products and a complete industrial chain but has also made it a fashionable concept and advanced lifestyle, sharing these developments with the world on an equal footing. Currently, for every 3 kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed in China, 1 kilowatt-hour comes from green energy. Over the past decade, the average cost per kilowatt-hour of global wind power projects has decreased by more than 60 percent, and PV power projects by more than 80 percent. China exported wind power, solar power, batteries, and NEV products to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, helping numerous countries access clean, reliable, and affordable energy. This is especially important for the global energy transition, particularly for developing countries facing dual challenges of funding and technology. China's milestone achievement of producing over 10 million NEVs annually reflects its responsibility as a major player in global climate governance and reveals the promising potential of new-era South-South cooperation.

The 10-million milestone is not the end. The production, sales, and demand for China's NEV continue to grow, which is the current reality of the industry. Whether it is encouraging the import of China's NEVs or engaging in technology and industry cooperation, many countries around the world are embracing China's "green fast track" in various ways. From a global energy transition perspective, the need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, reject unilateralism, and inject positive energy to the multilateral climate process remains urgent. Breaking down high tariffs and trade barriers, opening up green product circulation, and allocating technology and capital based on global emissions reduction priorities are essential to climate cooperation. In fact, Tesla's "catfish effect" should not be overlooked in the progress China's NEV industry has achieved over the past decade. If relevant countries adopt a more open and inclusive approach toward green industry and trade, the world's next "green milestone" will arrive even sooner.