China's Clean Technology Dominance Reshapes Global Net Zero Transition

• China dominates global clean technology production, controlling 80% of solar panels and lithium-ion battery cells, 70% of EVs, and 90% of heavy electric trucks.
• Between 2019 and 2025, China accounted for 55% of global clean energy manufacturing investments.
• Chinese clean technology exports hit a record US$26 billion in March 2026, driven by global energy insecurity.
• Rather than protectionist tariffs, the authors argue for strategic partnerships to ensure decarbonization remains affordable and interoperable.

The Shift to Global Standards

• China is increasingly setting global standards for clean technology, having formulated 285 international standards under ISO/IEC in 2025.
• New mandatory standards in China include:
  • Strict energy consumption caps for battery-electric vehicles.
  • Binding safety requirements prohibiting battery fires and explosions.
  • Comprehensive lifecycle carbon footprint reporting and recycling mandates for batteries.
• These standards are now being exported globally as nations adopt Chinese technology, shifting China's role from follower to standard-setter.

Consequences of Protectionism

• US and EU tariffs ranging from 25% to 100% on Chinese EVs have resulted in higher costs for domestic consumers and slowed decarbonization efforts.
• Relying on trade barriers ignores the reality that Chinese production currently fills the gap between global climate ambitions and industrial reality.

Recommendations for Future Partnerships

• Participate in China’s standard-setting processes to ensure global interoperability with existing grids, vehicles, and infrastructure.
• Establish reciprocal data transparency to allow regulators, utilities, and repairers outside China to access and utilize performance, thermal, and safety data.
• Fund two-way trade and investment architectures that allow for the efficient flow of minerals, capital, and skills, moving beyond one-way imports.