The performance of Chinese decision-makers will be vetted in part by their environmental stewardship, a political document said.

A briefing issued Sunday by the Communist Party of China said the decisions and administrative activities of Chinese officials will be measured against social, economic and environmental impacts.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported the results of the audits are used to evaluate promotions or punishment for Chinese officials.

Beijing this year signed separate bilateral memorandums with the U.S. and British governments to advance the fight against climate-related issues. The United States and China in particular are at odds, however, over the climate responsibilities of developed and developing countries.

China is the world leader in emissions. Beijing says it's readjusted its economic structure in a way that promotes green energy and a low-carbon economy in an effort to combat climate change.

The Chinese audits were first launched by the government in the late 1990s.