China and the US have agreed to five new initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants by tackling the largest sources of emissions in both countries.

The initiatives include: reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles; increasing carbon capture, utilization and storage; increasing energy efficiency in buildings, industry and transport; improving greenhouse gas data collection and management; and promoting smart grids, according to a US State Department statement.

Xie Zhenhua, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission and co-chair of the China-US working group on climate change, described the initiative as a new highlight in the China-US relationship.