Wang Yi meets candidate for next UN secretary-general

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, a candidate for the next United Nations secretary-general, on Monday in Beijing. Wang said at present, the international system with the United Nations at its core is facing challenges, multilateralism is being challenged, and the law of the jungle is emerging. He believes all parties look forward to the next secretary-general leading the United Nations to face difficulties and challenges and play its due role in the cause of international peace and development. Rodrigues-Birkett introduced her vision for the future development of the United Nations. She added that she firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly appreciates China's four major global initiatives, and advocates for the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. The selection process for the next UN secretary general, who will take office at the beginning of 2027, is now underway. A final candidate will be recommended by the 15-member Security Council, which includes the five permanent members with veto power, before all UN member states cast the final vote.