China and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
on Monday to find practical approaches to deal with climate change
and tackle global warming while maintaining the momentum of their
economies.
Visiting Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said that his country
and China can take the lead in cooperating to cope with climate
change in the Asia-Pacific region.
The MOU says the two governments will focus their energy on
monitoring climate change, making and implementing policies and
looking at new technology for reducing global-warming gas
emissions.
National Development and Reform Commission Vice Minister Liu
Jiang praised the Australian government for its cooperative
approach with China, despite the differing views of the two
nations.
"This MOU clearly recognizes the importance of taking action in
a way that does not undermine the economies of two countries when
tackling climate change," said Liu.
At a meeting with Premier Wen
Jiabao, Downer said independence for Taiwan would be a grave
mistake. He confirmed that the Australian government will adhere
firmly to the one-China policy on the question of Taiwan.
Premier Wen said China is willing to make joint efforts with
Australia to advance cooperation.
In another MOU signed during Downer's visit, Australia pledged
more than US$14 million over the next six years, initially to be
used to support China's optimization of benefits from its accession
to the World Trade Organization, according to Radio Australia
News.
(China Daily, China.org.cn August 17, 2004)