Xi presents gift carrying message of peace to UN

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) attends a presentation ceremony on which the Chinese government gives the "Zun of Peace", an ancient Chinese-styled wine container, to the United Nations (UN) as a gift in New York, the United States, Sept. 27, 2015. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also attended the ceremony. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a special gift to the United Nations (UN) in New York on Sunday in a show of China's emphasis on and support to the multilateral institution.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN, the Chinese government decided to give the “Zun of Peace,” an ancient Chinese-styled wine container, to the UN as a gift, Xi said during a presentation ceremony attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Modeled after Chinese ancient bronze artifacts “Zun” using cloisonne technique, the gift illustrates the importance China attaches to the UN and its support to the global body, said Xi, adding the gift also embodies the best wishes of over 1.3 billion Chinese people to the institution.

Not only does the gift showcase the long-standing culture and modern civilization of China, it also demonstrates common progress different civilizations and cultures have achieved by learning from each other and being inclusive, said the Chinese leader.

The “Zun of Peace” shows aspiration and faith of the Chinese people in seeking peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, which are also spirits of the UN Charter, Xi expound.

As the UN is marching into a new decade, China stands ready with all other countries to make concerted efforts in realizing the UN dream, he added.

For his part, Ban expressed his appreciation for the gift presented by the Chinese government, saying that the "Zun of Peace" embodies the shared values and close relations of China and the UN. He also expressed his appreciation for China's contributions to promoting world peace and development.

The UN stands ready to reinforce cooperation with China in realizing the Millennium Development Goals, reducing world poverty, combating climate change and others, Ban said.