China has officially entered the global sovereign green bond market with its debut 6 billion yuan ($825 million) issuance on the London Stock Exchange. This strategic move aims to attract international capital to support China’s green infrastructure and low-carbon development projects, reinforcing its commitment to ESG and its long-term carbon neutral strategy. 

The issuance includes two tranches with 3-year and 5-year maturities, offering fixed interest rates expected to remain below 2% depending on investor demand. The bond is managed by a consortium of eight banks from China and Europe, underscoring growing financial cooperation between the regions. This follows earlier bilateral talks between UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng focused on climate collaboration and green finance. 

Proceeds from the bond will be allocated to projects aligned with China’s five green priorities: climate change mitigation and adaptation, pollution control, natural resource conservation, and biodiversity preservation. Notably, funds will be directed toward expanding China’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and developing national park systems—key components in China’s push to reduce emissions and enhance sustainable land use. 

This landmark issuance signals China’s increased participation in the $3 trillion global green bond market. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The Finance Ministry stated that the bond aims to “attract international funds to support domestic green and low-carbon development,” reflecting the country’s strategy to integrate ESG principles into its financial framework. 

By linking international investment with domestic sustainability goals, China’s green bond initiative highlights its evolving role in global climate finance and its strategic focus on building a carbon neutral economy through sustainable infrastructure and innovation. 

Sources: 

https://esgnews.com/china-to-launch-825-million-green-bond-on-london-stock-exchange-to-back-climate-goals/ 

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-finance-reporting/chinas-sell-first-global-green-sovereign-bond-wednesday-2025-04-01/ 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-02/china-starts-marketing-its-first-sovereign-green-bond