CRI听力: China, US Agree to Further Cooperation in Economy, Environment

During the two-day high-level talks, Chinese and U.S. economic officials have agreed to further cooperate in tackling the global economic crisis. Both sides have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the bilateral cooperation of energy, climate change and environment. CRI's Zheng Chenguang takes a look.

Reporter:
During the two-day high-level talks, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan said stimulating growth is a priority for the Sino-US cooperation.
He also said both sides should strengthen cooperation in such areas as new energy, biotechnology and foster new growth areas.

"To achieve sustainable economic growth, both China and US should change the economic growth pattern. While maintaining its economic growth, China focuses on boosting the domestic demand, especially in consumption and deepening its reform and opening-up. It's not an easy job for both the two countries to change, but we should further cooperate on that."

The Vice Premier also urged the U.S. side to relax restrictions on exports of technology to China and "ensure the safety" of Chinese assets in the U.S.

For his part, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the United States and China have reached agreement on the need to work towards more balanced global growth once the economic crisis ends.

"The United States and China will not always agree on economic issues, but this Strategic and Economic Dialogue provides a framework for us to narrow our differences, to reinforce our common interests, both bilaterally and in setting the multilateral economic and financial agenda. We are making a lot of progress in the economic track, in focusing on the critical, strategic economic issues between our two countries in the face of the international financial system."

Geithner added that both sides are looking forward to formulating strategies for building a strong financial system. He also reaffirmed their joint commitment to economic growth, job creation, innovation and competitiveness through open and fair trade and investment.

Aslo during the talks, both sides have inked a Memorandum of Understanding on the bilateral cooperation of energy, climate change and environment. (www.hXen.com)

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the dialogue between both parties on enhancing cooperation on energy, climate change and environment.

"Climate change, energy and the environment are important subjects covered by the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue. In the spirit of deepening understanding, expanding common consensus, developing cooperation and pursuing mutual benefit the two delegations have held many rounds of consultations and arrived at agreement on the MOU. This, I think is fair to say, is an important outcome of this round of dialogue."

The official also called on both countries to boost cooperation at a "strategic and long-term" view and under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton said that the MOU provides the two countries with direction to support international climate negotiations and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

"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."

The China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the first of its kind between the world's biggest developing and developed economies, was jointly launched by Chinese President Hu Jintao and his U.S. counterpart Obama at their meeting during the G20 summit in London on April.
Zheng Chenguang, CRI news.