U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in Shanghai Friday that he expected cooperation between China and the United Stated in the fields of clean energy technology and carbon emission elimination would benefit both countries in the campaign against climate change.

"I believe there is great opportunity for greater cooperation between United States and China," said Locke, a Chinese American, in his speech at a welcome ceremony jointly hosted by American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the US-China Business Council.

His audience included dozens of Chinese businessmen from across the country and representatives of international corporations with branches in Shanghai.

"I want China and the United States to lead the world and save the planet from irreversible climate change.

"We all share the same atmosphere, and if we do not act, we will all suffer from the coastal flooding, unpredictable weather and agricultural damage," he added.

Locke spoke highly of China's efforts in eliminating carbon emissions. He said that developing new clean energy could create jobs in America, help promote renewable energy and curb pollution in China.

"So much of U.S. direct investment in China created win-win opportunities for both workers in America and workers in China and benefit the climate in the world and planet as well," Locke said.

He later attended the cornerstone laying ceremony of the United States Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo site.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2009)