China supported the setting up of a multilateral cooperation system for bird flu prevention and control, Chinese ambassador to the Vienna Office of the United Nations and other international organizations said on Wednesday.

"The International community should set up a global monitoring and forewarning system against avian influenza and other infectious diseases." Ambassador Tang Guoqiang told a senior official meeting on bird flu issues.

He appealed for improved education and instruction on systems of prevention and control of the epidemic for developing countries.

"Moreover, the international community should also develop joint scientific research as soon as possible, in order to make a breakthrough in the fundamental scientific research on avian influenza," he added.

The Chinese ambassador also called on relevant countries and international organizations to honor their commitments of contributions and donations as soon as possible, so as to provide sufficient funds to the countries hit by the avian influenza in time.

China would support the international financing conference against avian influenza to be held in Africa in the second half of this year, he said.

As to the situation in China, he said: "the Chinese government consistently attaches importance to the prevention and control of avian influenza, and ... the situation in China is under control."

Over 300 representatives from more than 90 countries and regions and 20 international organizations attended the one-day meeting.

Source: Xinhua