国内英语新闻：China pledges support for UN's role on world affairs

BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday pledged its support for United Nations role of safeguarding world peace and coordinating on international issues.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a meeting with visiting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the UN shoulders increasingly important responsibilities for promoting world peace and development.

China was a firm supporter and important partner of the UN, Hu told Ban, pledging that the country would fully participate in UN work, carry out its due responsibilities and maintain close communication and coordination with the UN.

    Hu said China agreed with necessary and rational reform of the UN based on democratic consultation and would continue its cooperation with the UN as well as support for Ban's work in a responsible and constructive manner.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2008

    Ban welcomed China's constructive role in significant international and regional issues.

    The UN valued China's role in promoting world peace and development, Ban said, citing China's contribution to the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and development in Africa.

    The UN hoped China would play a bigger role in realizing the UN millennium objective and addressing international challenges such as climate change and food security, Ban said.

    He praised China's earthquake relief work and expressed his confidence that the country would host a successful Olympic Games in August.

    The UN would continue to adhere to the one-China policy, Ban added.

    Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, meeting with Ban earlier on Wednesday, said China would make active efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    China would work with the international community to help other developing nations to achieve common progress and prosperity, Wen said.

    Wen said all nations should increase multilateral cooperation to cope with the global food shortage by means of assistance, finance, trade and technology. China was ready to take an active part.

    China fed 22 percent of the world's population using less than nine percent of the world's land. This was a contribution to global food security, Wen said.

    Ban praised China's important and constructive contribution to safeguarding world peace and common development, hoping China would play a bigger role.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, July 2, 2008

Wen also briefed Ban on China's relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-hit region, and expressed gratitude for the sympathy and assistance offered by the United Nations and Ban himself after the May 12 earthquake.

    Ban arrived in Beijing Tuesday afternoon for a three-day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government.

    The UN chief had visited the Yingxiu township in Wenchuan County to speak to earthquake survivors on May 24.