OMM Redaksiyası
China said Monday that the next United Nations secretary-general should be “competent, impartial and upright” and uphold the UN Charter.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing while responding to questions about the ongoing selection process and whether China had decided which candidate to support.
Guo was also asked about reports that Beijing was considering backing Rebeca Grynspan, a Costa Rican economist who heads UN Trade and Development, or Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Guyana’s ambassador to the United Nations.
Seven candidates remain in the race
The process to choose the next UN chief is underway, with the successful candidate due to take office on Jan. 1, 2027. Seven candidates remain in contention.
“China supports the election of a new secretary-general in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter,” Guo said, adding that the candidate should observe and abide by the charter, demonstrate outstanding competence, remain impartial and upright, and fulfil their responsibilities with dedication.
China “will work with all relevant parties to participate in the secretary-general election process in a responsible manner,” he said.
Grynspan leads latest informal poll
According to PassBlue, a news website focused on the United Nations, Grynspan led the latest anonymous straw poll held by the UN Security Council on Sept. 18, receiving nine “encourage” votes. Rodrigues Birkett followed with eight.
Olara Otunnu, Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Ivonne A-Baki are also candidates in the race.
