China is calling for developed and developing countries to enhance cooperation to tackle the international financial crisis.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said the cooperation should be based on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect during a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Many members of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) are developing countries who are suffering great risk and difficulties from the financial crisis.

In facing the crisis, the international community should pay special attention to the interest and concern of the developing countries so as to maintain the economic and financial stability of these countries, Qin said.

He hoped Asian and European leaders could make use of the summit to exchange views on reinforcing coordination to cope with the crisis.

"Leaders of ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) nations will hold a breakfast gathering tomorrow morning to discuss unofficially issues of common concern, especially the financial crisis."

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2008)