UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon praised China for its handling of the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province that killed nearly 70-thousand people.

Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General says:
I visited the epicentre of earthquake in Sichuan province, I was so saddened but at the same time I was so heartened by such a strong will, determined will of your people to overcome these great challenges and difficulties under the leadership of President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao."

While addressing students at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, Ban said "China also has an important role to play as a global power working with the rest of the international community to address challenges that can only be met through our collective effort."

Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General says:
"That is why I have called the world leaders including China to take urgent steps to address the global food crisis."

Food prices have risen worldwide in recent months due to a combination of high oil prices, growing demand, extreme weather, higher biofuel production and market speculation.

Ban is expected to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

AP