China on Tuesday hailed the U.S. government's plan for greenhouse gas cuts, calling for America to take a leading role in global climate change action.

"China noticed the U.S. Clean Power Plan. We welcome it and expect it to be passed at a hearing soon," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

Hong's comments came after the U.S. government issued a plan ordering major cuts in the pollution discharged by America's power plants, proposing to force a 30-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030 from 2005 levels.

Hong said China is glad to see America take a leading role in global efforts to tackle climate change, while China will also step up its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.