On October 12, 2004, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in the Diaoyutai State Guest Hotel with visiting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Tang Jiaxuan said in spite of the changes in international situation the United Nations should always focus on the two major themes of peace and development and serve as an envoy to safeguard peace and a pioneer to promote development. The next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The international community should take this opportunity to expand consensus on multilateralism and the role of the United Nations so as to inject new vitality into the implementation of the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals.

Tang Jiaxuan said as a firm supporter for the United Nations, China regards the UN as an important partner. The Chinese side will be involved in the various fields of UN affairs even more actively in the future so as to push forward North-South Dialogue and boost South-South cooperation. China will also expand its participation in the UN peace-keeping operations.

Annan noted that as an effective mechanism for adopting collective actions and addressing global issues, the United Nations plays an indispensable role in international affairs. Currently It is a common task for the international community to promote the democratization and legalization of international affairs, to better realize the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to implement the Millennium Development Goals. China is playing an increasingly important part in the international community and the United Nations attaches importance to enhancing cooperation with China. Annan reiterated that the United Nations will continue to uphold the one-China policy.