Recollections of China's contribution to world peace and development since 1971 were remembered by State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan when the 35th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat on the United Nations (UN) was celebrated in Beijing Wednesday.

At a reception, hosted by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Tang said as a responsible UN member China played an important role in maintaining world peace and development.

The passage of Resolution 2758 in 1971, which restored China's lawful rights to the UN, turned over a new leaf in China-UN cooperation, Tang said.

He stressed the UN was at a "critical historical juncture" facing both opportunities and challenges. Countries should endeavor to uphold multilateralism and strengthen the role of the UN, Tang said.

China's commitment to peaceful development hadn't changed, he explained. It was willing to work with other countries to make the UN a champion of peace and development and to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity, Tang added.

He also reiterated China's resolution to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity and advance the cause of national reunification.

"There's only one China," he said. "Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory. This is a fundamental principle recognized and observed by the UN and most countries," Tang observed. 

China was committed to the basic principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems", the eight-point proposal on developing cross-Straits relations and promoting reunification, Tang explained. 

He also reaffirmed that China firmly opposed "Taiwan independence" and would never allow separation from China. "We're convinced that the UN and the international community will continue to show broad understanding of, and strong support for, China's position," he said.

Nearly 400 people including officials from the State Council, foreign embassies to China and representatives from UN organizations attended the celebratory reception.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2006)