China supports Germany to play a greater role in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang here Thursday.

When asked to make comments on Germany's candidacy for a permanent seat at the Security Council, Qin said China is willing to maintain contact and consultations with Germany on the United Nations reforms.

Germany is an important member of the European Union, and with adherence to peaceful development, Germany plays an active role in international affairs, which is acknowledged by the international community, Qin said.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report on reforming the United Nations has been under discussion at the General Assembly. Qin said the UN reforms cover various fields and levels, and China supports reforms of the UN Security Council.

Qin said China believes that the priority of the Security Council reforms should be given to increasing the representation of developing countries.

Views from all concerned parties should be taken into account in the discussion on the matter, and the reforms should be decided through consultation and with consensus, Qin said.

China is not in favor of setting an artificial time limit for the Security Council reform or forcing a hasty vote, he noted.