The US and China signed new agreements that are expected to increase co-operation on energy issues.

The two nations pledged to expand their collaborations on clean energy and climate change during US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz’s trip to Beijing earlier this week.

They signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for co-operation on electric vehicles and industrial energy efficiency.

Mr Moniz said: “Increased cooperation between the United States and China is imperative to solve the enormous energy and climate challenges we face.

“This week, the message has been consistent in every meeting and extremely encouraging: a shared desire for our two countries to work closely together to combat climate change and develop and deploy clean energy.”

They also signed an agreement on petroleum reserves, which will enable the two nations to share information on technical, management and policy issues related to oil stockpiles.