DHAKA: China and the US have unveiled new targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, as the leaders of the two countries met for talks in Beijing.

US President Barack Obama said the move was ‘historic’, as he set a new goal of reducing US levels between 26 percent-28 percent by 2025, compared with 2005 levels.

China did not set a specific target, but said emissions would peak by 2030, reports BBC.

It is the first time China, the world’s biggest polluter, has set an approximate date for emissions to peak.

The news came during a state visit by Obama to Beijing, which followed a major Asian regional summit.

The two countries together produce about 45 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide.

The unexpected announcement could be boost efforts to secure a global deal on reducing emissions after 2020, to be finalized next year in Paris.

BDST: 1203 HRS, NOV 12, 2014