China and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday to find practical approaches to deal with climate change and tackle global warming while maintaining the momentum of their economies.

Visiting Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said that his country and China can take the lead in cooperating to cope with climate change in the Asia-Pacific region.

The MOU says the two governments will focus their energy on monitoring climate change, making and implementing policies and looking at new technology for reducing global-warming gas emissions.

National Development and Reform Commission Vice Minister Liu Jiang praised the Australian government for its cooperative approach with China, despite the differing views of the two nations.

"This MOU clearly recognizes the importance of taking action in a way that does not undermine the economies of two countries when tackling climate change," said Liu.

At a meeting with Premier Wen Jiabao, Downer said independence for Taiwan would be a grave mistake. He confirmed that the Australian government will adhere firmly to the one-China policy on the question of Taiwan.

Premier Wen said China is willing to make joint efforts with Australia to advance cooperation.

In another MOU signed during Downer's visit, Australia pledged more than US$14 million over the next six years, initially to be used to support China's optimization of benefits from its accession to the World Trade Organization, according to Radio Australia News.

(China Daily, China.org.cn August 17, 2004)