U.S. says world analyzing China's climate goals

A small house can be seen in front of a coal-burning power station located on the outskirts of Beijing August 17, 2009.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House gave a mixed reaction on Friday to China's plans to cut its carbon intensity levels, welcoming the proposal but saying the world would watch whether Beijing kept its promises to tackle climate change.

"We welcome China's intention to cut the growth of their emissions by reducing the carbon intensity of their economy," spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

"The international community will be closely analyzing this proposal in light of China's stated commitment to take significant mitigation actions that produce a meaningful mid-term reduction of emissions from business as usual."

Gibbs said the United States would continue to "engage constructively" with China on the issue ahead of the U.N. climate change talks in Copenhagen next month.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; editing by Mohammad Zargham)