• China to issue up to 6 billion yuan ($829 million) of green bonds in London, marking its first overseas issuance.
• Move signals China’s commitment to attract global investment for its green and low-carbon initiatives.
• Strengthens UK-China cooperation on sustainable finance and climate targets.

China’s Finance Ministry announced Wednesday that it plans to issue its first-ever overseas sovereign green bonds in yuan, totaling up to 6 billion yuan ($829 million), with London chosen as the listing venue.

This historic step follows discussions held during the China-UK economic and financial dialogue in January, chaired by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves.

The Finance Ministry stated clearly:

“China agrees that it would issue an inaugural yuan-denominated sovereign green bond in 2025 and that this would be listed in London, the first in a programme of Chinese green sovereign issuances in the UK.“

RELATED ARTICLE: China to issue principles for green bonds – Securities Times

China previously outlined its framework for sovereign green bonds in February, aiming explicitly to:

“attract international funds to support domestic green and low-carbon development.”

In line with its ambitious climate goals, China has committed to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, leveraging financial instruments like green bonds to drive progress.

Reflecting a deepening partnership, China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the collaborative potential with the UK, telling British Energy Minister Ed Miliband on Monday:

“China is willing to work with the UK to deepen cooperation in green and low-carbon development.“

Follow ESG News on LinkedIn