Obama's unlikely partner in climate change fight: China

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama has stumbled on an unusual partner on climate change: China.

The world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters are finding common cause in global warming efforts, and the United States says that cooperation could spur other developing nations like India to fight climate change.

Last week, American and Chinese officials announced agreements on cutting vehicle emissions, raising energy efficiency of buildings and teaming up on clean-energy technology projects. And Obama and China's president recently struck a deal to phase out a potent greenhouse gas used in refrigerators.

Skeptics question whether either nation will follow through on lofty aspirations. They say there's been talk before and little action.

Still, the agreements allow the two rivals to present a positive front at a time when tensions are running high. -- AP