PEACE PARCELS: Chinese peacekeepers present gifts to Liberian children in Zwedru on May 28 (XINHUA)

The UN has recognized China's support to its peacekeeping missions. During his China trip, Ban visited a peacekeeping training base in Beijing, inspected training facilities and communicated with Chinese medical staff dispatched to South Sudan in a video conversation.

Zhang Xiao'an, Director General of the UN Association of China, said, "China has been adhering to the peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Ban's visit to the peacekeeping training base shows his enthusiasm for China's contributions to UN peacekeeping missions."

During the trip, Ban praised China's commitment to peacekeeping efforts: "I have seen the bravery of Chinese blue helmets helping struggling communities around the world. China provides more peacekeepers to the UN than all of the four other permanent members combined."

China has so far sent more than 20,000 peacekeepers to 30 UN peacekeeping missions. More than 1,600 service people and police officers are currently serving in nine missions in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Lebanon and Sudan.

In early May, China invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for visits, a sign that China wants to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. It also hosted the UN International Meeting in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace in Beijing on June 18-19.

"China has also become a coordinator of international conflicts and a participant in international rule making. It is more willing to share its own voice on global issues," said Chen.

Fostering harmony

The "harmonious world" concept proposed by former Chinese President Hu Jintao, which is based on traditional Chinese philosophy is another contribution of China to promoting global governance, says Chen.

In addition, China is trying to promote cross-cultural dialogue through efforts such as the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations. The forum advocates harmonious coexistence and mutual respect among different races, religions and cultures.

China has also made remarkable contributions to promoting social progress. During talks with Chinese leaders, Ban commended China for its leadership in advancing the eight UN anti-poverty targets, known as the Millennium Development Goals, as well as the country's achievements in these areas, notably in eradicating poverty and reducing infant and maternal mortality rates. He also commended China for its contributions to women's empowerment and gender equality.

Chen noted that Ban's visit following China's leadership transition will help build good working relations between the UN head and China's new leaders.

Currently, faced with the unstable situation of the Korean Peninsula, the deadlocked Syrian issue and a host of other international concerns, the UN must maintain unimpeded communication with China.

"Building a good working relationship between the UN head and China's new leaders is helpful for deepening cooperation between the UN and China," Chen said.

Zhang said Ban is very friendly with China and has a deep interest in Chinese culture. He has stayed close with former Chinese leaders as well. This provides a good basis for him to develop a positive relationship with China's new leadership.

During talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Ban called on China to play a bigger role in global and regional issues. President Xi expressed China's firm support to the UN. He said that China will step up its efforts to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes, support the UN's Millennium Development Goals, work with other parties to tackle climate change and make more contributions to world peace and development.

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