China seeks energy cooperation with Australia

Chinese foreign ministry statement released on Tuesday revealed Chinese hopes for cooperation with Australian BHP in new energy sector.

The statement reflected on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng meeting with BHP CEO Mike Henry held on March 27.

During the meeting, Reuters reported, Xie conveyed his aspirations the global miner will have a significant role in enhancing Chinese-Australian relations.

The Chinese and Australian side, represented by BHP and two Chinese copper producers, have also signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) last month.

The MoUs aim at improving efficiency and reducing emissions throughout production phases. Additionally, Australian BHP inked a deal with Chinese HBIS to experiment carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies.

The two countries foreign ministers have met last December in Beijing. This visit marked the first visit by an Australian foreign minister to China in four years. The visit was seen as a sign of thawing frosty relations caused by trade restrictions.