According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on July 20, 2026, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Rodrigues-Bakit, the candidate for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations and the permanent representative of Guyana to the United Nations, in Beijing.
Rodriguez-Bakit introduced his campaign platform and vision for the future of the United Nations. He stated that the world is currently undergoing significant changes, with challenges such as conflict, climate crises, and development disparities emerging one after another. No matter how the situation evolves, multilateralism is not an option but a necessity for the international community. China is a firm supporter of the work of the United Nations and a leader in development issues. I support General Assembly Resolution 2758, adhere to the principle of one China, highly appreciate the four global initiatives proposed by China, and advocate for the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Crisis often contains opportunities. I will continue to promote reforms within the United Nations to make it more flexible and efficient, reflect fairness and justice, place sustainable development at the center of the international agenda, and bring tangible benefits to people around the world.
Wang Yi said that currently, the international system centered around the United Nations is facing challenges, multilateralism is under pressure, and the law of the jungle is reappearing. All parties expect the next Secretary-General to lead the United Nations to face difficulties and challenges head-on, and to play its rightful role in international peace and development efforts. Ms. Rodriguez-Baker's decision to run for Secretary-General reflects her firm belief in multilateralism and her strong support for the cause of the United Nations. President Xi Jinping pointed out that the more the international situation is characterized by chaos and instability, the more we must uphold and defend the authority of the United Nations and the international system centered around the United Nations. Multilateralism is a valuable safeguard for small and medium-sized countries, and the United Nations is an important foundation for the common development of all nations. The United Nations is not perfect, but without it, the world would be in even worse conditions.
Wang Yi emphasized that this year marks the 55th anniversary of New China's restoration of its legal seat in the United Nations. Regardless of the changes in international circumstances, China has always been committed to being a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. China always adheres to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and firmly supports the cause of the United Nations. In May this year, China served as the rotating chairperson of the Security Council and hosted a high-level meeting on "Maintaining the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter and Strengthening the International System Centered around the United Nations." More than 100 representatives from various countries attended the meeting, and the unanimous voice was one of supporting the United Nations, revitalizing it, and strengthening it. China will participate in the process of electing the next Secretary-General with a responsible and constructive attitude. We will support the election of a Secretary-General who adheres to the Charter, possesses outstanding abilities, is fair and upright, and takes responsibility for his or her duties, in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter. This will help the United Nations regain its authority and vitality, adapt to new circumstances, and respond to new challenges.
