China said on Thursday the US move to offer $100 billion in climate funds for poor countries was a good step”, seeking compromise with Washington on its demand for checks on Chinese emissions curbs.

China's Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei, who had previously said finance was China's top concern at the talks, said the move was positive.

I think the financial issue is very important. Whatever initiative these countries will announce is a good step, He told Reuters when asked about the U.S. announcement.

He also suggested that China was working towards a deal on controls of its emissions curbing efforts that would satisfy U.S. concerns.

In terms of mitigation actions (emissions curbs), we can also consider, international exchange, dialogue and cooperation that is not intrusive and does not infringe upon our sovereignty, Mr He said.

Another official earlier said the two countries were having regular and productive bilateral meetings.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tried to break the deadlock on Thursday with a pledge to help mobilize the $100 billion a year by 2020 to assist poor nations shift to greener growth and adapt to a warmer world.

She also warned China it must accept tough requirements for monitoring, reporting and verification, if the United States is to provide the promised aid.

The Dec 7-18 summit is officially due to wrap up a new deal to tackle global warming on Friday, but rifts between rich and poor nations have made slow progress.

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