1st LD-Writethru: China trying to play bigger role in existing int'l order: FM

China is trying to play a bigger role in existing international order and system, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.

"China is not trying to build a rival system. On the contrary, we are trying to play a bigger role in the existing international order," Wang told a press conference.

China has become more active in its external relations and its international status has been on the rise. Last year saw a multiple enhancement of China's power in international institutions.

The country now has the third largest quota and voting power in the International Monetary Fund. Its currency Renminbi has been included in the SDR basket. China has become a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. China makes the second biggest contribution to the United Nations.

As it grows in strength, Wang said, China needs reasonable development space and a corresponding say in international affairs. "In my view, this is something quite normal."

According to the minister, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS bank are supplements to and improvements on the existing financial system.

Wang said China has the confidence in finding a path to a great power status different from the one followed by traditional powers.

"China will not play the bully. Rather, we will abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," he said.

China will not engage in zero-sum games. Rather, the country will pursue win-win cooperation with all countries of the world, he added. Endi