Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has pledged China would work with the international community to promote the sustainable growth of the oceans.

Li made the remarks Friday when meeting with representatives to the 33rd Pacem in Maribus (Latin for Peace in the Oceans) Conference, which was held in Beijing Friday and Saturday.

Li said China would attach great importance to conservation on the marine ecosystems in the process of exploiting marine resources, and actively develop the green marine economy.

China would also improve the oceans' capability of preventing and reducing disasters, and comprehensively take part in international marine affairs, he noted.

Patricia O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Awni Behnam, president of International Ocean Institute, Wendy Watson-Wright, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and other marine scientists attended Friday's meeting with Vice Premier Li.

They said that the international community should work together to cope with climate change and promote a sustainable development.

Entitled "Oceans, Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Challenges to Oceans and Coastal Cities," the PIM conference has drawn 266 representatives from 30 countries and 12 international organizations.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2010)