JOINT US-CHINA STATEMENT ON CLEAN ENERGY AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 013967 E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/13/2019 TAGS: ENRG PREL CH SUBJECT: JOINT US-CHINA STATEMENT ON CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE COOPERATION Classified By: EAP DAS John Norris, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action message; please see paragraph five. below. ¶2. (C) We request post approach appropriate Chinese officials and express the Secretary's interest in jointly issuing the statement below with one of her counterparts during her visit to Beijing. Post should solicit Chinese views on the appropriate official to issue the statement with the Secretary. ¶3. (C/REL China) BEGIN STATEMENT. The United States and the People's Republic of China held constructive conversations on the critical issues of clean energy and climate change on February XX, 2009. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and (XX) agreed, building on the good progress that has already been made, to launch a major partnership between the United States and China to develop clean energy technologies. Such technologies are essential to spur sustainable economic growth and development in both countries as well as solve the increasingly urgent problem of global climate change. ¶4. (C/REL China) STATEMENT CONTINUED. In their conversations, it was proposed that both sides undertake joint efforts on research, development, demonstration and deployment of critical technologies designed to speed the transformation to lower-carbon economies. Both sides recognize that such a transformation can drive economic growth and job creation at the same time that it preserves a safe and healthy environment. Areas for useful cooperation include renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency and sectoral measures, as well as the joint exchange of best practice information not only at the national level, but also between states and provinces and between cities. Both sides also agreed that they share a common interest in working to promote a successful agreed outcome at climate change talks to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009. Both sides agree to hold regular consultations between senior officials on all elements of this broad program. END STATEMENT. ¶5. (U) Washington appreciates Post's assistance. Please report results of discussions. CLINTON