US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said Friday the United States and China should lead the way in developing clean energy to meet future energy demands.

Addressing students at China's prestigious Tsinghua University, Locke said worldwide energy is a six trillion USD market and the fastest-growing sector is the clean, green energy.

Locke is leading a trade mission of 24 US companies to promote sales of clean-energy technology to China.

"These companies already possess cutting-edge technologies that can help China meet its ambitious energy efficiency goals while also spurring the creation of new jobs in China and the United States," said Locke.

Washington is seeking clean-energy technology sales to China to help fulfill US President Barack Obama's pledge to double exports and create two million jobs within five years.

Beijing agrees that clean energy will be a highlight in China-US trade cooperation. Meanwhile, China urges the United States to take moves toward easing restrictions on exports to China.

"The clean energy projects involve huge investments and long-term planning. The US export restrictions, if not loosened, are a barrier for future cooperation between the two countries," said China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Ma Xiuhong.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2010)