SUMMARY OF REMARKS BY GENERAL JAMES L. JONES (RET.)
CHINA LEADERS IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
WILLARD HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
May 15, 2008

Energy is a global challenge that requires global solutions.  That’s why we’re extremely pleased to be co-hosting with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Energy Research Institute an energy forum next week in Beijing.

The participants at this forum will be high-level government officials and business executives from both countries.  It’s important that government and the private sector work together on energy and the environment.  The forum will address (1) global energy security, (2) the environment and climate change, and (3) technology cooperation.

Energy presents the U.S. and China – and indeed, the whole world –   with unprecedented economic and national security challenges.  While the United States and China are two vastly different countries, energy and the environment can be, and should be, unifying factors as we seek mutual solutions to these challenges.  We cannot be seen by the rest of the world as part of the problem.  We must be seen as part of the solutions, and we can do this only by working together. 

Together, our countries account for 35 per cent of the world’s energy consumption and 40 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions.  By addressing these issues, we have more to gain – and more at stake – than other countries. 

There are at least three broad areas in which we might seek cooperation – by looking for ways to, first, diversify our energy sources; second, promote clean energy technology; and third, achieve greater energy efficiency.

To meet our rising energy demands over the next several decades, the United States and China must diversify their sources of energy.  This will lead to greater energy security for our individual countries as well as collectively.  For example, both countries depend heavily on oil imports – the United States imports 60 per cent of its oil from abroad, and China 50 per cent.  To reduce this dependency, we need to diversify the mix and types of fuels we use, especially in the transportation sector. 

By the year 2030, China will have 270 million vehicles, more than seven times the traffic today.  Americans will continue to depend heavily on cars as their preferred mode of transportation.  We need, therefore, to work together to look for advanced automotive technologies to allow our cars to operate more efficiently and cleaner.

One of the biggest challenges facing all nations is to find ways to reduce carbon emissions and, thus, protect the environment.  The greatest emitters of carbon are fossil fuels, on which both our countries are heavily dependent.  Our electricity sectors are heavily dependent on coal.   Half of America’s electricity is generated from coal, and three-quarters of China’s.  For that reason, we need to find new and affordable ways that will allow us to continue using coal in efficient and environmentally sound ways.

A common solution to reducing carbon emissions in the production of electricity is the increased use of nuclear power.  The United States and China have much to gain by cooperating in the field of nuclear power. Specifically, we can work together by sharing information on nuclear power plant construction and operations, cooperating on parts and materials, and standardizing high quality assurance programs. 

Both countries realize the need to use our energy resources more efficiently.  Efficiency is a source of energy, as well as a way to reduce demand.  Cooperative research and development is a necessary approach to obtain the technological innovations required to sustain economic growth and use energy more efficiently, at the same time as reducing the potential for harmful effects on the environment. 

Technology and equipment for increased efficiency and joint projects on renewables are necessary components of our strategies.  To advance technological cooperation, we need to address trade issues and examine tariffs and other trade barriers.

The world will be watching the United States and China to see what we do individually and collectively to address these challenges.  Our leaderships need to informed and actively engaged in seeking solutions.  That’s why we’re looking forward to being in Beijing next week to advance the spirit of cooperation in the critical fields of energy and the environment.