A senior UN official said Friday the Chinese economy enjoying sustained rapid growth was not a threat, as it has been demonstrating a positive effect in the global economy.

Speaking at the Forum on Future Development of China held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Friday, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China Malik Khalid said "China has demonstrated that it uses its economic power in a responsible way."

In his keynote speech titled "Sustaining China's Development in New Global Environment", the economist-turned-official said China has had a stabilizing effect in the global economic system when the US subprime problems unleashed uncertainties.

Malik praised Chinese authorities for making efforts to combat environmental problems, noting China is "unique in facing such environmental challenges at such an early stage of its economic development."

"There has been no precedent like China, who, as a developing country with a per capita GDP of about US$2,000, undertakes such great responsibilities."

Malik, who has been stationed in Beijing since August 2003, attributed China's economic growth to Chinese leadership's commitment to long-term success, efforts in capacity building and pragmatic approach towards the reform and opening up process.

He told the forum that he was amazed by "the rapid changes China has brought to its social security system" over the past months.

In a speech on a similar theme in April, Malik cited weak social security as one of the Challenges facing the Chinese government.

"There's of course much to do in China, but at least I am personally confident that China will continue to do well," Malik told the conference.

The forum, organized by Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation to commemorate its 25th anniversary Friday, was attended by scholars, university heads, high profile think tanks and officials, including Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo.

Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation was established by Hong Kong business giants to promote knowledge about the mainland.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2007)