Chinese scientists are looking to increase collaboration with researchers around the world.

Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Hui Yongzheng, speaking exclusively to China Daily, said they had more than 20 years of experience to draw upon: bilateral and multilateral collaboration began when China implemented the opening-up policy in 1978.

Today, on the threshold of the new millennium, China has established scientific links with 150 countries and regions, and signed official science and technology agreements with 95 countries, Hui said.

China now faces serious issues like population explosion, ecosystem deterioration and environmental pollution.

Hui said sustainable development should enhance China's role in helping to create a world of rapid economic growth which is in harmony with population growth, the environment and social development.

He said scientists from China and the United States shared a keen interest in environmental protection, disaster prevention, life science and clean energy.

He said the two sides had successfully collaborated on basic science research over the past 20 years, covering atmosphere, ocean, health, medicine and agriculture.

China will continue to collaborate with developing countries in certain fields, including the desalinization of sea water, Hui said.