China vows responsible role in selection of next UN secretary-general

China will participate in the selection of the next United Nations secretary-general in a responsible and constructive manner, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with former Chilean president and UN chief candidate Michelle Bachelet in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met Bachelet as part of discussions on the future leadership of the United Nations.

During the meeting, the Chinese foreign minister said Beijing would play a responsible and constructive role in the process of selecting the next UN secretary-general.

He said China would work to support efforts aimed at revitalising the authority and vitality of the United Nations and strengthening its capacity to respond to evolving global challenges.

According to Wang, the world body must adapt to changing international circumstances and develop more effective mechanisms to address emerging issues facing the international community.

Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is among the candidates being considered for the post of UN secretary-general.

The meeting comes as discussions continue among member states over the future leadership of the United Nations and the organisation's role in addressing global political, economic and security challenges.