The timing of the 2011 UN Day celebrations in China also fell just one day before the 40th anniversary of the resumption of China's lawful rights as a UN member state.

Mr. Tokayev takes the questions from the press after the celebration ceremony. [Van der Maav / China.org.cn]

Mr. Tokayev recognized the significant role China plays within the UN. He pointed out that China has joined a wide range of UN organizations, acceded to some 300 multilateral treaties, and participated in many of the UN dialogues and forums that bring member states together.

Mr. Tokayev also noted that the UN agencies in China have evolved as the partnership with China has grown. According to Mr. Tokayev, UN agencies have provided close to US$3 billion in assistance to China over the past three decades.

China's former ambassador to the UN, Mr. Li Daoyu added that "the participation of China at the United Nations is one of the most important watersheds in history."

China's major recent contributions to the UN's humanitarian work include delivering assistance to both Haiti in 2010 and the Horn of Africa earlier this year. Meanwhile, through its peacekeepers, China has played a critical role in promoting peace and security in some of the world's most troubled regions such as Sudan and Lebanon.

More than 700 participants attended the celebration, including Mr. Wu Hailong, China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Renata Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.

The China Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet and Ms. Song Zuying, a famous singer, were invited to perform at the event.