China, US agree stronger co-op

Watch Video>>

The broad framework of cooperation at the dialogue covers various fields. Chinese officials briefed the media on cooperation plans in climate change, environment, energy and health.

Xie Zhenhua (L), vice minister of China's State Development and  Reform Commission, and Todd Stern (R), United States climate change envoy, sign the climate change part of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Washinton D.C., capital of the United States, July 28, 2009. China and the United States signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) here Tuesday on the cooperation in energy,  climate change and environment.(Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Chinese officials say negotiations on specific issues on climate change have led to greater understanding, consensus and cooperation.

Xie Zhenhua, vice minister of National Development & Reform Comm., said, "We agree the strengthen cooperation in this field, to carry out pragmatic cooperation and initiate concrete projects on energy efficiency, renewable energy resources, nuclear energy, and China's adaptability to climate change, as well as related scientific research."

Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Li Ganjie says China highly commended the bilateral cooperation. China noted environmental problems appear as the economy develops, and stressed the need to solve them in the process. Globalization means one country is not able to tackle the problem alone. Cooperation should be strengthened to cope with the challenges together.

Deputy Health Minister Yin Li says the two countries are maintaining close relations on the control of the A/H1N1 flu. He cited personnel exchanges at the disease control and prevention centers and an daily information exchange.

An official at the National Energy Administration, Gu Jun, spoke of prospects for cooperation. He cited the areas of new and renewable energy, smart grid, shale gas, coal bed methane, clean use of coal and advanced nuclear energy. Gu says both China and the US have made full use of the existing energy cooperative mechanisms. He announced a new round of oil and gas forum, and energy policy dialogue this year.