The US unveiled an agreement with several Asian countries to develop clean energy technologies as an alternative to the Kyoto Protocol. The deal does not set emissions reduction targets and involves voluntary technology cooperation rather than commitments. Critics argue it is an attempt by the US and Australia to undermine the Kyoto Protocol, as the two countries are the only developed nations not to ratify the treaty, which does mandate emissions cuts. The new Asia-Pacific partnership includes China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the US and aims to promote clean technology research without binding emissions commitments.