China and the European Union must make joint efforts to tackle climate change, the EU commissioner for climate action said in Beijing on Thursday.

Connie Hedegaard said it is crucial that both sides discuss joint action on the issue before the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

Hedegaard met Chinese Vice- Premier Zhang Gaoli on Wednesday to exchange views on low-carbon development.

In Beijing on Thursday, she told the media that the Chinese government has focused more on air pollution problems and emission reductions.

"I hope that China's strong commitment to fighting climate change can be reflected in international negotiations," she said.

During her four-day visit to China, Hedegaard will travel to Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province where she will see a demonstration zone for low-carbon development in industry. In Shanghai, she will view an emissions trading pilot program.

The Shanghai program is one of the seven pilot programs that will eventually help form the world's second-largest carbon market after Europe.