China will continue to make constructive efforts at the United Nations and firmly support it in playing an important role in international affairs,Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters on Tuesday.

Qin was commenting on a statement by US Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain about establishing a new international organization without China and Russia because of what he termed their obstructions at the United Nations.

"Whether China has been an obstruction at the UN or not, I suggest you check the record," said the spokesman.

Qin said the United Nations was the most universal, authoritative and representative international organization and had played a special role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development since it was founded.

China is one of the United Nations' founders as well as a permanent member of the Security Council, Qin said.

He said China has always respected and upheld the principles of the UN Charter and carried out its responsibilities and obligations, and it has been extensively involved in UN affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2008)