China and the US agreed to cooperate more in the energy sector. China is already one of the world's biggest energy importers, buying natural gas and crude oil from the likes of Russia, Australia, and Qatar. The US will become China's next big supplier. Experts say China's reduced reliance on coal means growing demand for less polluting fuels. Xu Xinchen reports.  

XU XINCHEN SHENYANG, LIAONING PROVINCE "China is one of the largest energy importers — especially natural gas. Latest data shows China already imported over 2 million tons of natural gas in the first quarter — up almost 40% year-on-year. The huge domestic demand creates the need for China to work with other countries, and it also creates vast business opportunities for countries that export resources to China."

Professor Bao Wen from the Harbin Institute of Technology has over three decades of experience in energy-related fields. And he said that as China looks for cleaner fuels, the country is expected to continue opening up its energy field.

PROF. BAO WEN HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY "Switching to cleaner fuels such as natural gas drastically decreases air pollution, and local governments see the benefits of using natural gas. Therefore, demand rises quickly — now more than supply."

Professor Bao is also pretty optimistic about the new energy cooperation forged between China and the US. He said that China's huge population and robust economic growth demand the country to diversify its portfolio for energy imports, and the US's rapidly growing shale gas industry could be an important source to help China meet its demand. Xu Xinchen, CGTN, Shenyang, Liaoning Province.