Editor's note: Sino-US cooperation on clean energy will benefit bilateral trade and the whole world.

United States Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke's recent comments that the US will boost exports to China to reduce its trade deficit was the right step toward easing the intensifying trade tension between the two nations.

It's a pragmatic approach to a worrisome bilateral trade. Instead of unilaterally accusing China of not appreciating its currency or employing anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese products, the remarks signal a positive strategy by the US.

If the two nations can work together on clean energy, it could break the stalemate in bilateral trade.

China wants to invest heavily in clean energy. As the largest developing country, the nation's energy strategy aligns with its goal of a low-carbon economy. But it badly needs the technological know-how from developed countries to make that happen. The US, on the other hand, will create more jobs by transferring its clean-energy technology to China. This will eventually reduce trade deficits and help the US economy recover.

Furthermore, if the two nations can work together on clean energy and energy efficiency, it will help the international crusade to reduce poverty and tackle climate change.