Who will become the next UN Secretary-General? China holds decisive influence.
The selection process for the next UN Secretary-General has entered a critical phase, with no clear frontrunner emerging after three rounds of informal voting within the Security Council. According to reports from Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, China is currently weighing two female candidates from Latin America, potentially determining who will become the first woman to lead the United Nations.
In the three rounds of confidential, non-binding preference votes held prior to formal consideration, Costa Rican economist and UN Trade and Development chief Rebeca Grynspan currently leads, followed closely by Guyanese UN ambassador Rodríguez-Burkett.
Under the current structure of the Security Council, a veto from any of the five permanent members can block a candidate. The candidacy of Argentine-born International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi—seen as a preferred choice by the United States—has already been explicitly rejected by China, marking a concrete exercise of China’s veto power. While Grynspan remains ahead in the polls, concerns persist regarding her Jewish heritage, ties to Israel, and close relations with the United States, which have prompted caution within Chinese diplomatic circles. China’s position—on whom it supports and whom it opposes—will directly shape the final outcome.
Although the UN Secretary-General serves as the world’s chief diplomat, the role often operates under the shadow of great power influence. The United States has long treated the UN as an instrument for advancing its global hegemony, frequently withdrawing from agreements, withholding dues, and launching military actions outside Security Council authorization. In contrast, China upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, advocates multilateralism, and supports representation of developing nations in key leadership roles. China’s preference for a Latin American female candidate aligns with established regional rotation practices and reflects broader support for both development equity and gender parity.
Amid persistent interference by hegemonic powers, the UN often appears paralyzed. Yet, in safeguarding multilateral order and checking unilateralism, it remains an irreplaceable platform. China’s pivotal role in the selection process underscores not only its commitment to preserving UN authority but also its function as a counterbalance to power politics. The world needs the United Nations—and the United Nations, in turn, requires stable forces like China.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1877407687207948/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.