The Second US-China Strategic Forum On Clean Energy Cooperation started here Tuesday, bringing together more than 200 government leaders, business executives and experts from both countries to discuss an array of energy collaboration topics, and energy giants from the two countries signed a series of collaboration deals.

Second round of handshakes

The first session of the forum took place in Beijing in 2009. Many former participants were also present at the Washington forum, having witnessed enhanced bilateral collaboration in the field of clean energy over the past years.

Constructive cooperation between China and the United States in the clean energy field could serve as a role model for bilateral ties in different areas and also for other countries, said John Thornton, chairman of the Washington-based Brookings Institution, a co-organizer of the forum.

The two-day gathering includes panel discussions and working group meetings under the theme of US-China relations in the next decade.

Experts said that as the largest producers and consumers of energy, the United States and China were working together to solve common challenges including energy safety and seeking more common ground and mutual interests.

Lots of room for cooperation

China is a passionate player in the global green economy, as the nation is trying to reduce its energy use while developing its economy. Green energy investment between China and the United States could help job creation and economies not only in those countries, but also around the world and help them cope with challenges including climate change, Justin Yifu Lin, the World Bank's chief economist and senior vice president said.

US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman also pointed out that close bilateral cooperation in clean energy would be conducive to building trust between the two nations, also for future generations.

Cooperation on clean energy development could help boost employment and create vast business opportunities in both countries. This effort was also crucial to a green future for both countries and the world, Huntsman said.

Zheng Bijian, chairman of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, said that China-US practical cooperation in clean energy surely could expand and deepen the convergence of interests.

"I believe the discussion at this forum will not only contribute to the global efforts to address the challenge of climate change, but also help promote low-carbon development and energy security of the two countries," Zheng said.