Xi meets UN chief, reaffirming China's peace commitment

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after China's massive military parade Thursday, reaffirming the country's commitment to peace.

Xi welcomed Ban's attendance at China's V-Day celebrations, saying that the event showed Chinese people's resolution in safeguarding peace.

"I announced in the morning that China will cut troops by 300,000. It is an important symbol of China's commitment to safeguarding peace," added Xi.

Xi told Ban that as the United Nations is one of the most important results of WWII, China was the first country to sign on the UN Charter. China is willing to safeguard the victory results of WWII and the UN Charter-based international order together with the UN.

China will stick to multilateralism and strengthen the role of the UN, advancing the UN's roles in safeguarding peace and achieving development, especially strengthening its role in peacekeeping missions and implementing the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

China also supported the UN's important role in climate change, Xi added.

He said the Chinese nation emphasizes the concept of harmony, advocating peace and harmony in diversity. He hopes all 193 member states of the UN respect each other and unite to forge a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation.

Ban said the Chinese people suffered heavy losses during and made significant contributions to the anti-Fascist war. The celebrations showed the Chinese people's aspiration for peace.

For years, China has been actively committed to world peace and development, especially to UN peacekeeping missions, hot regional issues and South-South cooperation, said Ban, adding that the UN is looking forward to strengthening cooperation with China in addressing climate change and other issues.