[Policy Update] MOF Issues "Basic Standards for Sustainability Information Assurance (Trial)" to Standardize ESG Auditing

📰 News Highlight

On January 27, 2026, China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) officially released the "Sustainability Information Assurance Standard No. 6101 — Basic Standards (Trial)"(the "Assurance Standards"). Developed in response to the rapid rise of ESG reporting, this trial framework provides the first national-level benchmark for third-party agencies to verify sustainability data.

⚙️ Core Components

1.       Comprehensive Framework: 18 chapters covering the full assurance lifecycle, principles, and procedures.

2.       Quality & Ethics: Emphasizes independence, ethics, and robust controls for verified sustainability information.

3.       Assurance Levels: Defines reasonable vs. limited assurance to ensure reliable, misstatement-free reports.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Combating Greenwashing: A unified assurance standard curbs inconsistent and selective ESG disclosures, turning reports into credible, investor-trusted performance records.

2.       Market Infrastructure: Standardized verification strengthens financial integrity, directs capital to truly sustainable firms, and aligns China’s ESG practices with global standards.

[Market Update] CATL Subsidiary and KNDI Sign 3-Year Strategic Pact to Accelerate Heavy-Duty Truck Battery Swapping Mass Production

📰 News Highlight

Qiji Green Energy (a subsidiary of CATL) and Zhonghuandian (a subsidiary of Kandi Technologies) officially signed a three-year strategic cooperation agreement. This partnership focuses on the large-scale production of heavy-duty truck battery swapping stations. The collaboration spans the entire industry chain—from manufacturing and delivery to commissioning, operation, and maintenance—aiming to scale up the energy replenishment infrastructure for the new energy vehicle (NEV) market.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Supply Chain Integration: Partnership strengthens CATL’s swapping equipment supply chain and boosts R&D/manufacturing.

2.       Lifecycle Operations: Collaboration ensures reliable deployment and long-term maintenance of swapping stations.

3.       10,000 Stations Plan: Supports CATL’s strategy to standardize battery swapping, targeting 900 heavy-duty truck stations by 2026.

[Carbon Market]

During January 26 – January 30, the total transaction volume of Carbon Emission Allowances (CEA) in Chinese National Carbon Market reached 862,146 tons, with a total transaction value of USD 9,721,936.21. The highest price was USD 11.77/ton, and the lowest price was USD 11.23/ton. For bulk agreement transactions, the volume was 600,000 tons, with a transaction value of USD 67,589,690.34.