China on Wednesday voiced support for the reform of UN peacekeeping operations and urged member states to work toward consensus in this regard.

Liu Zhenmin, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks as he addressed an open debate of the Security Council on UN peacekeeping operations.

"Since its inception 60 years ago, the UN peacekeeping operations have positively contributed to maintaining world peace and security and have gained confidence and support from member states," Liu said.

"In the past decades, continuous efforts were made to reform and adjust UN peacekeeping operations in order to adapt to the changes of circumstances," he said.

While multi-functional integrated missions have now become the trend in the development of peacekeeping operations, the relevant peacekeeping missions have expanded in terms of scope, mandate and funding requirements, giving rise to new problems, he said.

"UN peacekeeping operations are facing new difficulties and challenges in the areas of policy paradigm, financial support, planning and management," he noted.

"China supports wide-ranging consultations between member states and relevant parties in order to reach consensus and advance the reform of peacekeeping operations," he stressed.

Liu made a five-point proposition on the reform of peacekeeping operations, including paying great attention to formulating an integrated strategy on conflict prevention and resolution, balancing renovation and adherence to basic principles, improving the work of Security Council in managing peacekeeping operations, ensuring adequate resources and addressing the special needs of Africa.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2009)