China and the United States on Thursday extended their energy security and environmental protection agreements for a further five years.

 

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Shang Yong and the US Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Jeffery Jarrett signed the renewal of existing agreements on power systems, oil and gas technology and energy and environmental pollution control technologies.

 

"Both China and the United States agreed to extend on-going agreements to support more joint projects on energy and the environment," Shang said, adding that the two sides were satisfied with cooperation over the past five years.

 

An existing agreement on clean fuels technology, which includes coal-to-liquids and hydrogen, was discussed but did not need to be extended, according to the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

"The United States and China are taking a clear leadership position in a worldwide effort to develop practical and constructive solutions for energy security and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Jarrett.

 

The agreements between China and the United States map out specific areas of activity aimed at improving oil and gas supply, deploying cleaner, more efficient energy technologies for the nation's coal reserves, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through advanced pollution controls.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2006)