BEIJING, Dec 3 (AFP) - China said Thursday it was willing to step up cooperation with India on climate change, just days ahead of crunch UN talks in Copenhagen aimed at tackling global warming.

"China is ready to strengthen communication, coordination and cooperation with the Indian side on climate change," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters.

His comments come with India, one of the world's top greenhouse gas emitters along with leader China, yet to offer figures on reining in its carbon output and with world leaders preparing to gather for talks in Copenhagen, starting Monday.

China announced its targets last week, saying that by 2020 it would curb emissions per unit of gross domestic product by between 40 and 45 percent compared to 2005 levels, essentially a pledge of greater energy efficiency.

"We understand the current situation in India. We should take adaptation and mitigation measures based on our national conditions and capacity," Qin said.

India has refused to accept binding emission cuts that it says could slow its economic growth and has instead highlighted voluntary actions to stem emissions, such as renewable energy.

It also backs China in saying rich nations are historically responsible for global warming and should help fund emission-reduction efforts in poorer countries.

"China and India are both developing countries and victims of climate change," Qin said.

"The two countries do not have the obligation to binding emission reduction targets on climate change."

Qin gave no details on the nature of the climate change cooperation he was referring to.