Nations set 'good example' working on environment
By Xiao Chen (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-04-18 16:46
SHANGHAI: 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 04/15/2006 page2)
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