Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao (R), who delivered a letter of application for membership in IOM, meets with IOM Director General William Lacy Swing in Beijing on Monday, June 13, 2016. [Photo: China's Foreign Ministry]

China is seeking membership in the International Organization for Migration, or IOM.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang confirmed the news on Monday, "China is large in population and also large of immigration. If becomes an official member of the IOM, China can make better contribution to the world immigration issue as well as further promote international cooperation in the immigration area. "

He also noted that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao has delivered a letter of application for the membership, and also met with the IOM's Director General.

The official welcomed China's application, saying that it is "crucial" for the organization's global significance.

The officials also discussed global migration and the migrant situation in Europe, as well as preparations for this year's UN Summit on large-scale movements of migrants and refugees in September.