UNITED NATIONS - China will do its utmost to support the United Nations endeavors in the field of sport development, Wang Min, Chinese deputy representative to the UN said on Monday.

Addressing a plenary meeting of the 66th UN General Assembly with the theme of sport for peace and development, Wang said that China believes the international community should put the issue of sport on the agenda of global cooperation for development.

"The international community should incorporate sport into global cooperation agendas such as peacekeeping operations, development, education, public health, gender equality, and protection of the rights and interests of persons with disabilities", he said. "It is also imperative to give better play to the role of sport in promoting the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals."

Wang maintained that upholding the Olympic spirit contributes to settlement of global crises "To fundamentally address the financial crisis and other global issues, countries must continue to abide by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, uphold the Olympic spirit, respect cultural diversity, enhance mutual understanding, settle disputes through peaceful means, and work together toward a world of equality and harmony," he said.

Wang also noted that China has designated the opening date of the Beijing Olympics, namely, August 8 as China's National Fitness Day, which is a solemn commitment made by the Chinese government to development of China's sport endeavors.

"The Chinese government will continue to integrate sport into its national development strategy, and provide more and better public sport services to its people. In the meantime, China will continue to play a positive role in the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, make vigorous efforts to advance international cooperation in sport development, and thus contribute to world peace and development," he added.