MOU on climate change a breakthrough

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Chinese officials have elaborated on a memorandum of understanding with the US on climate change, energy, and the environment. Xie Zhenhua, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, calls the Washington deal a breakthrough.

China aigned a memorandum of understanding with the US on climate  change, energy, and the environment.

Xie Zhenhua, NDRC Vice Minister said "We agreed to work together in a wide range of areas. Take the issue of energy conservation as an example. We covered it in the fields of construction, traffic, and industrial production. We also agreed to jointly improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy and nuclear."

Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of State said "This memorandum builds on past efforts, including the 10-year framework for energy, environment cooperation and highlights the importance of climate change in our bilateral relationship, by creating a platform for climate policy, dialogue and cooperation."

Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Li Ganjie repeated China's stance that environmental issues crop up in the process of economic development and should be addressed when they occur. He said China believes no country can solve the issue on its own. Vice Minister of Health Yin Li said the two countries have close cooperation in fighting A/H1N1 flu.

An official from National Energy Administration, Gu Jun, announced cooperation in developing clean energy. He said the two sides will hold a Petroleum and Gas Forum, and an Energy Dialogue this year.