PARIS (REUTERS, AFP) - US President Barack Obama and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping pledged on Monday (Nov 30) to work together to drive forward a climate change agreement at international talks in Paris.

Ahead of a bilateral meeting with Xi, Obama said the leadership of the two countries was critical in pushing participating countries to cut emissions.

"As the two largest carbon emitters, we have both determined that it is our responsibility to take action," Obama said as he sat at a table with Xi for talks on the sidelines of the climate conference.

More than 150 world leaders arrived at United Nations climate change talks in Paris armed with promises and accompanied by high expectations as they look to hold back the Earth's rising temperatures.