Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said on Wednesday China favours an enhanced role for the United Nations (UN) to promote world peace and development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003. [AP]

"China is of the view that the future well-being of mankind hinges on closer international co-operation, multilateralism and world multi-polarization,'' Li Zhaoxing told the UN General Assembly.

Li said, "Peace and development remain the overriding themes of the times and the shared aspiration of people of all races, colours and nationalities.

"Yet worrisome aspects of the international situation are numerous,'' he added.

Li said local wars and conflicts kept flaring up, and non-traditional security concerns such as terrorism, drug-trafficking, weapons proliferation, the spread of diseases and environmental degradation have become more pronounced. These factors are making the security situation even more complicated.

He said humanity is still confronted with severe challenges. "The continued, widening gap between the North and South and the aggravated disparity between the rich and poor have become a major factor that breeds new conflicts and wars and undermines regional stability.''

The Chinese minister put forth a five-point proposal to address the problems. It recommends:

* promoting democracy in international relations to bring about a new regime in which all countries are equal and no country has the right to impose its will on others;

* cultivating a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and co-operation;

* supporting diversity in the mode of development;

* supporting the rise of developing countries;

* and stepping up multilateral co-operation.

Li said, "China also supports the UN in conducting necessary reforms to enhance its role and efficacy in light of changing circumstances.''

"The UN is a microcosm of our world. The hope of the world rests on a strong UN.

"To build a better future for mankind, it is incumbent upon us to first turn the UN into a forum of co-operation instead of a coliseum of recrimination.''

Li said China stands for stronger international co-operation and the achievement of common development.

"The key lies in establishing a fair and equitable new world economic order in response to the requirement of economic globalization,'' he said.

Li said an open and fair multilateral trading regime should be established and improved. Close attention should also be given to reforming and improving the international financial system.

And stronger South-South co-operation and North-South exchanges should be promoted, he said.

In a speech at a Security Council ministerial meeting, Li also said China supports an active role for the United Nations in helping nations to establish and safeguard justice and the rule of law after major conflicts

He noted that early restoration of the judicial system and rule of law to protect human rights is a necessary condition for stability and development after a conflict.

Li also pointed out that a broadly representative government should be established as soon as possible to help bring about national reconciliation and ensure a harmonious coexistence of all ethnic groups.

Li on Wednesday also met with delegation heads of some countries attending the 58th session of the UN General Assembly. He talked extensively with these leaders on issues of common concern.

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