On April 21, 2005, Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang met with representatives of Italy, Pakistan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Argentina, Turkey, Algeria and Canada in New York and exchanged views with them on the reform of the United Nations.

Shen said the reform of the United Nations should be comprehensive and should not be limited to a particular category of questions which a few countries are concerned about. Since the vast number of developing nations account for two thirds of the total member states of the United Nations, development should be the natural focus of the reform. As for recommendations on the reform in various fields, we should carry out those which we can agree upon through negotiations and continue to discuss those which we cannot agree upon in a bid to narrow differences and seek consensus through negotiations.

Shen indicated China supports the reform of the Security Council to make it more efficient and more authoritative. The insufficient representation of developing nations should be prioritized and the unity of member states should be maintained. As the reform concerns issues of great importance, member states should try to reach broad consensus through democratic negotiations. To set a deadline for the reform and force a vote on immature plans will only lead to the splitting of member states and damage the long-term interests of the United Nations and the vast number of member states.

During his stay in New York, Shen also met with Deputy Secretary-General Louise Frechette and delivered a letter through her to Secretary-General Kofi Annan from Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. Shen also delivered a letter to the President of the 59th UN General Assembly Jean Ping from Foreign Minister Li on the reform of the United Nations.