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US and China form working groups to collaborate on cybersecurity, climate change

US and China form working groups to collaborate on cybersecurity, climate change

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The United States and China will form working groups that focus in on two of today's most pressing issues: cybersecurity and climate change. That's according to US Secretary of State John Kerry, who outlined the plans during a visit to Beijing. The collaboration on cybersecurity is particularly notable; both countries have traded barbs and accusations of cyber espionage in recent months. It's unclear what (if anything) will come as a result of the joint effort, but the working group's formation suggests both sides are eager to quell months of rising tension and public squabbling.

Both countries are also promising to work together on a "more focused and urgent" response to climate change concerns. "The United States of America and the People's Republic of China recognize that the increasing dangers presented by climate change," reads a joint statement announcing the second working group. "Forceful, nationally appropriate action by the United States and China – including large-scale cooperative action – is more critical than ever," it says. Each acknowledges climate change as a crisis, but the US and China often disagree on the best way of tackling the issue — China insists developing nations shouldn't need to invest the same resources as larger carbon emitters. Set to begin immediately, the global warming-focused group will work to discover new ways in which which the US and China can "advance cooperation on technology, research, conservation, and alternative and renewable energy." Findings will be presented at this summer's Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED).