Chinese experts have denounced reported collaboration between South Korea and the United States to address perceived “excess capacity” in China’s photovoltaic (PV) industry, labeling it as part of a strategic narrative aimed at hindering China’s technological advancement and industrial progress.
The response comes in the wake of a South Korean report suggesting cooperation between senior diplomats from South Korea and the US to tackle the issue of “excess capacity” in China’s PV industry. The purported aim is to shield industries in both countries from adverse effects stemming from the overproduction of Chinese solar energy products.
Observers view the discussions as part of a broader effort by Western nations to hype concerns over China’s “overcapacity” in sectors such as new-energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and PV, with the underlying intent of impeding China’s technological and industrial growth.
The talks reportedly involved considerations for joint import control measures and efforts to develop more technologically competitive products, indicating a concerted effort by the US and South Korea to supplant China’s dominance in the solar industry with their own producers.
Experts caution against South Korea adopting stringent economic and trade restrictions against China, warning of potential repercussions for local businesses and ordinary citizens. They assert that China’s capacity and technological advancements in the clean energy sector have been pivotal in driving global energy transition efforts.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, China’s innovation, manufacturing prowess, and engineering expertise have significantly contributed to the cost reduction of wind and photovoltaic power generation, making these technologies more accessible worldwide. China currently accounts for nearly 90% of the world’s PV production capacity.
Praising Chinese companies’ efforts in research and development to enhance PV cell efficiency and reduce costs, experts underscore China’s indispensable role in the global renewables landscape. China is expected to install over half of the new renewable capacity required globally by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.
Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, emphasized the competitiveness of Chinese PV products, attributing their success to technological advancements and production capacity accumulation.
As debates surrounding global energy transition intensify, China’s pivotal role in driving renewable energy adoption remains central, despite challenges posed by international narratives regarding overcapacity in key sectors.