Stephen Johnson, administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wrapped up his China visit on Friday, saying that China and the United States are a good example of co-operation on the global economy and the environment.

"Throughout our discussions with Chinese officials, there is a theme of co-operation, friendship and partnership. This is key to success," Johnson said on Friday evening.

He was speaking after a busy day, which included meeting Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng and visiting the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Power Plant and port to observe Sino-US environmental protection projects.

China and the United States are both founding members of the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Clean Environment. It has provided great opportunities for the two countries in environmental protection, according to Johnson, adding that US President George W. Bush has asked the Congress for US$52 million for the project next year.

Johnson's week-long China visit took him to Beijing, Lijiang in Yunnan Province and Shanghai.

In Beijing, Johnson met his Chinese counterpart, Zhou Shengxian of the State Environment Protection Administration. The two signed an agreement on hazardous waste management that will encourage co-operation in locating and disposing of polychlorinated biphenyls.

He also talked with top environment officials in Beijing about clean air efforts. Beijing has promised to have a "green Olympics" in 2008 by working to improve the city's air quality, using recyclable materials and building sustainable structures that will have immediate commercial use following the Games.

Johnson said he was pleased to see primary school students in Lijiang are learning about protecting the environment.

In Lijiang, the US environment chief also visited two EPA-funded pilot projects that use cleaner and safer home cooking and heating methods.

(China Daily April 15, 2006)