China hopes the high-level panel on United Nations reform can raise strategic suggestions for the United Nations to counter universal threats and challenges, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Tuesday.

Tang made the remarks when meeting visiting Anand Panyarachun, chairman of the panel and former Thai prime minister.

The 16-member blue-ribbon panel, named by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan last November, looks into new global security threats and sets forth proposals on UN reform and the reinforcement of the UN's role.

Tang said that facing the fast-changing international situation and complicated issues, the United Nations must progress with the times and take new measures.

UN reform should help in exerting the authority of the United Nations and reinforcing the authority of the UN Security Council, he said.

The reform should also balance problems of security and development, taking into consideration the reasonable concerns and legal rights of developing countries, he said, adding that China supports the work of the high-level panel.

Anand briefed Tang on the work of the panel, saying it will submit reports to Annan at the end of this year.

He also spoke highly of China's support for the United Nations and the panel.

Panel members include former Chinese Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, Secretary-General of the Arab League Amer Moussa and former US National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft.

Source: Xinhua