Stephen Johnson, administrator of the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), wrapped up his China visit on Friday,
saying that China and the United States are a good example of
co-operation on the global economy and the environment.
"Throughout our discussions with Chinese officials, there is a
theme of co-operation, friendship and partnership. This is key to
success," Johnson said on Friday evening.
He was speaking after a busy day, which included meeting
Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng and visiting the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Power
Plant and port to observe Sino-US environmental protection
projects.
China and the United States are both founding members of the
Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Clean
Environment. It has provided great opportunities for the two
countries in environmental protection, according to Johnson, adding
that US President George W. Bush has asked the Congress for US$52
million for the project next year.
Johnson's week-long China visit took him to Beijing, Lijiang in
Yunnan Province and Shanghai.
In Beijing, Johnson met his Chinese counterpart, Zhou Shengxian
of the State Environment Protection Administration. The two signed
an agreement on hazardous waste management that will encourage
co-operation in locating and disposing of polychlorinated
biphenyls.
He also talked with top environment officials in Beijing about
clean air efforts. Beijing has promised to have a "green Olympics"
in 2008 by working to improve the city's air quality, using
recyclable materials and building sustainable structures that will
have immediate commercial use following the Games.
Johnson said he was pleased to see primary school students in
Lijiang are learning about protecting the environment.
In Lijiang, the US environment chief also visited two EPA-funded
pilot projects that use cleaner and safer home cooking and heating
methods.
(China Daily April 15, 2006)