New York - China on Wednesday assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council at a time when UN members are renewing demands to reform the body to make it more effective and representative.

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yesui replaced the country's former envoy Wang Guangya, who was appointed a vice foreign minister in Beijing. But Zhang gave the council a holiday on Wednesday because October 1 is China's national day.

The council's monthly presidency rotates among the 15 members.

UN members, particularly Germany, Japan, Brazil, India and South Africa, have demanded an enlarged council to reflect the growing influence of emerging economies. Those members have called for including new permanent members as well as short-term members.

The council currently has five veto-wielding permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - and 10 members elected for two-year terms. (dpa)