The selection of the next United Nations secretary-general has become a focal point of behind-the-scenes maneuvering within the Security Council. After three rounds of informal voting, China has yet to formally commit, but one thing is increasingly clear: Antonio Grosso, the candidate favored by the United States, faces an uphill battle.
Grosso, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, was nominated last year by Argentina and backed by the United States. However, his tenure has drawn repeated criticism from Russia over perceived bias and lack of neutrality in handling issues such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and Iran’s nuclear program. China too has expressed reservations. With veto power held by the five permanent members, Grosso’s chances of securing victory appear slim.
China has not yet taken a public position, but international observers widely believe that two candidates—Rebeca M. Greenspan, head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and Phyllis Berkin, Guyana’s ambassador to the UN—are most likely to gain Chinese support. Both could make history as the first female secretary-general of the United Nations.
Greenspan, an economist who served as vice president of Costa Rica, holds a high profile within the UN system and has led efforts on debt relief, development financing, and negotiations on the Black Sea grain agreement. Her ability to bridge trust between Western powers, Europe, and developing nations is seen as an asset. Yet her deep ties to Western institutional economics and her Jewish heritage may raise concerns among some Arab states.
Berkin, meanwhile, represents climate justice and solidarity among Global South nations. Her diplomatic record bears the imprint of Latin American left-wing politics and she is known for her approachability. Her main drawback lies in limited experience managing large international organizations. In the third round of voting, opposition votes rose from three to six—an outcome that may reflect pressure from Western actors.
China is unlikely to endorse any candidate prematurely. Instead, it will assess whether prospective nominees meet rigorous standards: a firm commitment to multilateralism, willingness to challenge unilateral coercion, impartiality, and responsiveness to the needs of developing countries. Months ago, Beijing hosted both Greenspan and Berkin in separate meetings—events widely interpreted as interviews and signals of expectations.
The next round of voting will adopt a red-and-white ballot system. Once a permanent member casts a red “discouraged” vote, a candidate’s prospects are effectively ended. The UN secretary-general is not a figurehead to be appointed based on political preference; the appointment must reflect competence and fairness.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877544165673984/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.