China, U.S. expand consensus on climate change at S&ED: official

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States have expanded consensus and increased mutual understanding on climate change at the first round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) held here July 27-28, a senior Chinese official said here Tuesday.

"The two sides have further increased cooperation on the issue at the dialogue, which is very successful," Xie Zhenhua, vice minister in charge of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the top economic planning agency, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview at the sidelines of the dialogue.

At S&ED, Chinese officials have conducted negotiations with their U.S. counterparts on each specific issue on climate change, which led to more mutual understanding, consensus and cooperation, he said.

Both sides agreed to conduct more policy consultations on climate change in the future, so as to help boost comprehensive development of the overall relationship between the two nations, Xie added.

According to him, at the dialogue, China and U.S. officials also agreed to carry out pragmatic cooperation and initiate concrete projects on energy-saving, energy efficiency, renewable energy resources, nuclear energy, China's adaptability to climate change as well as related scientific research.

"I believe the S&ED has served as a great platform for China-U.S. cooperation on climate and global response on the issue, and will play an important role in that aspect in the future," said Xie.

He said the dialogue was very significant because it enhanced the willingness from both sides to expand cooperation on climate change and to increase mutual understanding on the issue.

The U.S. side highly appreciated China's efforts and achievements in response to climate change, and China also gave high remarks for Obama administration's positive adjustments on its climate policy, said Xie.

The both sides recognized that there are huge difference between the two countries in terms of national circumstances, stage of development, historic responsibility and capabilities and agreed that the two nations should pursue active policies on climate change according to their respective responsibilities and capabilities, he said.