Zhang Yesui, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, meets the press on December 29 (LIU YU)

China will assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of January, 2010, said Ambassador Zhang Yesui, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, on December 29.

"China will take up its responsibilities in an objective and fair manner, and will work together with other members of the Security Council to ensure its smooth and efficient functioning in maintaining world peace and stability," Zhang said.

He said China attached great importance to the presidency as part of its efforts to advance multilateral diplomacy during the coming year.

"At present, members of the UN Security Council have started negotiations for the working plan. The tasks for January are pretty intense. In addition to dealing with global and regional hotspot issues, we will also organize some debates and negotiations," he said.

Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council has 15 members: five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

The Council's monthly presidency rotates among the 15 members.

(Reporting from New York)