China values and supports the work of the high-level panel on the United Nations reform, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Tuesday.

Li made the remark 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 in last November, looks into new global security threats and sets forth proposals on the UN reform and the reinforcement of the UN role.

Li said China backs the UN to play a bigger role in international affairs. The almost 60-year-old UN should learn lessons from experiences, carry out proper reforms and shift its preference for politics and peace-keeping to economy and development.

Anand expressed appreciation for China's positive impact on international issues. He said the panel will listen to the opinion from all sides and make strategic suggestions to prepare the UN for new threats and challenges.

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