In his speech during general debate at the 57th session of the UN General Assembly, he said the UN "plays an irreplaceable role in safeguarding world peace, ensuring universal security and promoting common development."

"The purposes and principles of the UN Charter have a strong and abiding staying power," Tang said.

"We should give full play to the role of this world body, promote a democratized pattern of international relations and spare no effort in the quest for a bright future for mankind."

Tang also said efforts should be made to promote dialogue and reconciliation to settle regional conflicts.

He said China supports the just cause of the Palestinian people for the restoration of their legitimate national rights and the establishment of a country of their own, in addition to relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the principle of land for peace.

He said China opposes violence directed against innocent civilians and disapproves of the practice of using violence against violence.

Tang said China wants a political settlement of the Iraq issue.

The UN should play an important role in the issue and Iraq should strictly comply with relevant Security Council resolutions.

Tang also expressed the hope for an early restoration of dialogue between India and Pakistan on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

On Afghanistan, Tang said China is willing to make constructive efforts together with the international community for lasting peace and post-war reconstruction in the country.

It supports the UN in playing an important role in the matter.

Tang put forth a new security concept featuring mutual trust and benefit, equality and cooperation, saying military means alone have proved inadequate in meeting massive and complicated security challenges. He said, "security is no longer a zero-sum game" and "its mutuality is obviously on the increase as countries have come to share more in their security interests and feel a greater sense of interdependence."

He said "our new security concept is both workable and effective," urging the international community to reach a broad consensus on the matter and jointly tackle any major security concern by vigorous dialogue and cooperation.

Tang said counter-terrorism should be pursued on the basis of international law and norms governing international relations, allowing the UN and its Security Council to play a leading rule.

"Efforts should be made to prevent the arbitrary enlargement of the scope of the counter-terrorism campaign but proven terrorist forces, including the East Turkistan terrorist forces, which have been trained, armed and bankrolled by the Taliban and al-Qaeda, must be resolutely stamped out," he said.

A five-point proposal was put forward during the speech, to accelerate common development.

It includes establishing a global partnership geared towards development, promoting a balanced and steady development of economic globalization, strengthening developing countries' capacity for self-development and persisting in the course of sustainable development.

Tang said the goal of common development within the world remains largely elusive and "our tasks of development have become more pressing."

"Their desire to accelerate development through greater participation in international competition has never been stronger," Tang said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2002)