2nd World Peace Forum held in Beijing

The 2nd World Peace Forum is being held in Beijing on Thursday. The two-day meeting is focusing on international security. Chinese Vice President, Li Yuanchao, attended the opening ceremony at Tsinghua University, and gave a speech on peace and security.

It's the first high-level international security forum organized by a Chinese institution. The second World Peace Forum involves a higher number of participants than the first last year. Around 500 experts and senior personnel from around the globe are taking part.

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao welcomed friends from near and far, and emphasized China's role in pursuing peaceful development.

Li Yuanchao, Chinese Vice President, said, "China has always been a staunch force in efforts to safeguard world peace. We have always committed to the path of peaceful development. The Chinese dream is a dream about peace."

During the speech, the Vice President proposed the establishment of new concepts of international security, promoting peace, development, cooperation and the win-win principle.

His speech was echoed by visiting presidents from Sierra Leone and Suriname. Both presidents called for active cooperation on international security.

In previous years, China has fulfilled several international responsibilities and obligations. China is now the world's largest contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.

China has also played a constructive role in trying to uphold regional peace.

Wu Sike, Chinese Envoy to Middle East, said, "China has worked actively to promote peace through dialogue. We've done a great deal to try to get the Palestinian-Israeli peace process moving again, helping to exchange ideas between both sides. We'll continue our efforts to promote the middle east peace process."

China's willingness to take an active role in international security affairs has received praise from other countries. But challenges still lie ahead, according to some.