China yesterday reiterated its stance on a possible reform of the UN Security Council, saying a consensus is necessary before any resolution is made.

"China opposes pushing forward any reform plan with major disagreements," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

Japan has been seeking China's support in its bid to get a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

In a joint press statement during Premier Wen Jiabao's "ice-thawing" visit to Japan last week, Beijing and Tokyo agreed to enhance dialogue and communication to reach a consensus on a possible reform in the Security Council.

Also, the two sides confirmed the building up of a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.

China's position on the issue remains unchanged, Liu Jianchao told a regular press briefing yesterday. The country supports necessary and rational reform of the Security Council.

China is now the only Asian country in the UN with veto powers.

"It needs extensive, patient and democratic discussions to reach unanimous agreements and find a solution that could be accepted by all," Liu said. At present there are deep differences among all the sides.

Also, Liu announced that Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay will visit the country from April 29 to May 1 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing.

Source: China Daily