United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has commended China's contributions to world peace and security on the eve of a grand military parade in the heart of Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of Second World War. [Special coverage]
"I am here to express my deep respect for all the contributions that China has been making for world peace and security," Ban said in Beijing on Wednesday night during a meeting with Robin Li, the chairman and CEO of China's search engine giant Baidu.
"I am looking forward to participating in this very important ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN," said the Secretary-General.
Last Friday, Ban made similar statements on China's contributions and sacrifice in WWII being recognized by the international community, while taking a group interview with UN-based Chinese media ahead of his China trip from Sept 2 to 6.
During his 9th visit to China as UN chief, Ban will attend the country's V-Day celebrations together with 30 heads of state and government leaders that include Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Republic of Korea President Park Geun-hye.
The sacrifice of the Chinese people and their bravery to restore freedom and security has been well recognized by the world, Ban told Robin Li during a 30-minute discussion on a wide range of global topics.
"China has become an indispensable member of the UN. Without Chinese participation, it's very difficult to think that we can do our global things properly," Ban said, stressing that China makes contributions not only to peace and security, but also to development.
With the current Millennium Development Goals expiring at the end of this year, Ban has been working on a sustainable development agenda for the next 15 years.
A package of 17 sustainable development targets is set to be adopted by member states at a special UN summit later this month in New York.
"I count on strong engagement and leadership from China," Ban said.
