BEIJING - Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli vowed on Tuesday to step up energy cooperation with members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

While addressing an APEC energy ministers meeting in Beijing, Zhang said the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed both robust economic growth and increasing energy consumption.

In face of challenges of energy security and environment, countries should speed up transformation of their economic development pattern, and seek sustainable growth that features diversification, energy saving and low carbon, Zhang said.

He urged closer coordination and cooperation in energy exploration, and to promote energy investment and trade, facilitate research and development of advanced energy technology, and enhance energy security.

China, as a large energy consumer and producer, will strive for sustainable energy development, and promote energy saving in its economic and social development, said the vice premier.

China will explore non-coal energy such as oil, gas, nuclear power, new energy and renewable energy, he said.

"We will promote technological innovation in the energy industry, step up energy system reform, build and improve an energy price system that reflects supply and demand in the energy market," he said.

China will facilitate closer international energy cooperation, utilize global resources and ensure energy security, he added.

The meeting is one of nine ministerial meetings held in China ahead of the APEC economic leaders' meeting in November.