The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) opened its China office on Friday in Beijing to strengthen its co-operation with the nation in the field of environmental protection.

At the opening ceremony, UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer cited China's large population, its rapid economic development and the more prominent role it plays in the world as reasons for opening the office.

Personnel at the office will work closely with China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and other ministries, international agencies and non-governmental organizations to cover various environment-related issues, according to a source with UNEP.

They will also develop and support projects under the Global Environment Facility, an international fund to address key global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and land degradation.

SEPA Vice-Minister Zhu Guangyao said at the ceremony the office will get full support from the Chinese side.

"China appreciates the effective work that has been done by UNEP,'' he said, adding: "China hopes that UNEP can strengthen its organization and co-ordination in dealing with international environmental issues that are more and more serious.''

Earlier on Friday, the first Asia-Pacific Sub-regional Environmental Policy Dialogue was held in Beijing, which was a round table meeting attended by ministers and environmental experts.

At the meeting, representatives discussed the strategy for environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific region and other related issues.

SEPA Minister Xie Zhenhua said at the meeting the deterioration of the environment has become one of the major obstacles impeding development in the Asia-Pacific region.

He called for a strengthening of co-operation among countries in the region and common efforts to address the challenge.

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