China's UN ambassador Fu Cong voiced support for a woman leading the organization. The statement comes amid Michelle Bachelet's candidacy to succeed Antonio Guterres. China favors better geographical representation and multilateralism.
Fu Cong, China's ambassador to the United Nations, backed a woman leading the UN on Friday. At a press point, he stated: “We would like to see better geographical representation and, if it were a woman after so many years, China would welcome it favorably”.
Cong stressed that the next secretary-general must strengthen development and multilateralism. He added the leader should be “firmly committed to multilateralism” and “not excessively aligned with the policies of a single superpower”, referring to the United States. The multilateral system is in a “delicate moment”, the ambassador said, needing political and financial support.
The comments come amid international backing for Bachelet, who presented her candidacy to the UN General Assembly in New York. She has support from Mexico and Brazil. Chile's government under José Antonio Kast said it will not back her bid.
Bachelet vies with Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, and Rebeca Grynspan to succeed Guterres in November.