U.S., China review joint climate commitments

BEIJING, July 9 (UPI) -- The United States and China must work together to combat climate change, but the fight is a global one, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday.

Kerry met in Beijing with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang to discuss bilateral issues ranging from security to energy.

On climate issues, Kerry said that, as the top emitters of greenhouse gas emissions, joint work on climate issues was imperative.

"But I have to emphasize [that] nothing that the United States does alone, nothing that Europe does alone, nothing that any country does alone will be able to do the job." he said.

With his "all-of-the-above" energy policy, Kerry said President Barack Obama is committed to ensuring fuel efficiency improves and power plants are cleaner.

Wang, for his part, said Beijing has readjusted its economic structure in a way that promotes green energy and a low-carbon economy in an effort to combat climate change.

"Facing this global challenge, the international community must work together, strengthen cooperation, and attack all these challenges and threats together," he said.

Memorandums signed on the sidelines of Kerry's visit envision a wide range of climate initiatives. Differences remain between both sides in terms of the climate responsibilities of developed and developing countries.