Brasília, March 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The government of the People's Republic of China declared today that it will back Brazil's bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, as soon as the proposal for reform is presented.

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Relations, Tang Jiaxuan, recognizes the influence exerted by Brazil on the international stage and understands the Brazilian government's aspirations along these lines. During a conversation with the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, who is visiting China, Chancellor Jiaxuan pointed out that he is in favor of the presence of developing countries on the UN Security Council after its reform.

Last week, during a visit to Turkey, Chancellor Amorim also received that country's endorsement of Brazil's candidacy for a permanent seat on the Council.

Translation: David Silberstein