Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (center) addresses a reception to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations, in Beijing on October 25, 2016 (XINHUA)

China made a fresh pledge to support the United Nations in playing a central role in international affairs 45 years after the restoration of its lawful seat in the UN.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi, speaking at a reception to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the epoch-making event, said China will continue to work with the UN and all other countries to advance peace and development for mankind.

In 1971, the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority and decided to restore the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the UN.

"This historic decision signified a notable enhancement of the universality, representativeness and authority of the UN and forces for peace and development, marking a new stage in China's diplomatic engagement with the world," Yang said.

For 45 years, China has contributed to world peace, been a facilitator of global development, a proponent of the international order and a supporter of the UN cause, he said.

Yang reaffirmed that China will stick to the path of peaceful and common development and multilateralism.

"China will continue to support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs and take an active part in UN activities in the various fields of security, development, human rights, social affairs, legal affairs, arms control and disarmament," Yang said.

Earlier on October 25, at a commemoration symposium in Beijing, UN Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman said he appreciated China's support for the work of the UN, adding that the implementation of decisions by the UN requires robust political leadership, which China has already shown.

Thanks to China, sustainable development was incorporated into the G20 growth agenda for the first time in 2016, and the Belt and Road Initiative will aid south-south cooperation on the UN agenda, Feltman said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2016)