President Xi Jinping of China addresses attendees during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, September 28, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

UNITED NATIONS - Chinese President Xi Jinping announced here Monday China is to join the UN capability readiness system, and set up a permanent peacekeeping force of 8000 troops.

Xi made the remarks when addressing the annual high-level general debate of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.

Xi also announced that China is to set aside one billion US dollars for a peace and development fund with the United Nations.

The following are other highlights from Xi's address.

-- China would provide $100 million in military assistance to the African Union in the next five years to support the establishment of an African standby force and to boost its capacity for crisis response.

-- China will never seek hegemony, expansionism or a sphere of influence.

-- China welcomes other countries to board China's express train to realize common development.

-- Xi urged developed countries to realize their emission-cutting promise and help developing countries deal with climate change.

-- Lessons have to be drawn from the World War II history so as to avoid repeat of past mistake.