China supports the work of a high-level panel on reforming the United Nations (UN) and is giving serious thought of the proposals it submitted to UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhang Qiyue said Monday in a response to an interview.

Zhang said China would like to keep in touch and consult with all relevant parties to bring out active progress in the issue.

She said China applauds the work Annan has done and will continue to back his efforts in maintaining and strengthening the roles of UN In the world arena.

The 16-member panel was appointed by Annan to identify major threats to humankind in the 21st century and propose ways of reforming the world body.

The panel, chaired by former Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, comprises eminent figures such as former Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen and former US national security advisor Brent Scowcroft.