BEIJING (AP):

China wants to increase cooperation with the United States and other nations to reach a deal at global climate talks in December, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said yesterday.

Li's comments come less than two months ahead of the global climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, that seeks an international agreement on a treaty to cut greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. It would replace the United Nation's Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

Negotiations have been deadlocked for months amid rising doubts about whether a new pact can be reached in time. China and the United States together account for 40 per cent of greenhouse gases, and no treaty would succeed without the participation of both nations.

"The Chinese side is ready to strengthen consultation and communication with all the parties, including the American side, so as to continue to work positively and constructively for success in Copenhagen," Li told participants at a US-China clean energy forum in Beijing.

Success in Copenhagen "serves the common interests of all parties, including China and the US," Li said. "Although there are many outstanding issues in the negotiations, as long as all sides can work together, we can find an equitable, reasonable and sustainable solution."

So far, wealthy nations have agreed to some emissions cuts, but they baulk at making the 25 to 40 per cent cuts that scientists and activists say are needed to keep global warming in check.