BEIJING, Jan. 29  -- China will donate 1 million U.S. dollars to South Centre, the only inter-governmental organization of developing countries.

The donation was announced at a meeting between Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Benjamin Mkapa, chairman of the board of South Centre, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

"The Chinese government values and supports South Centre," Tang said in an hour-long meeting with Mkapa in Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leaders' compound in downtown Beijing.

As the international situation undergoes complicated and profound changes, the developing countries are seeking closer unification and coordination, Tang said.

"The developing countries should explore new channels to step up the south-south cooperation," Tang said.

He said the Chinese government would like to deepen cooperation with other developing countries on the basis of sincerity, equality, mutual support and common development.

Mkapa, former president of Tanzania, said he appreciated China's generous support and contribution to south-south cooperation.