China outlines position on selection of next UN secretary-general

China supports selecting a new United Nations secretary-general who honors the UN Charter, demonstrates outstanding competence, acts with fairness and integrity, and fulfills the responsibilities of the office, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

Guo made the remarks at a regular news briefing in Beijing when asked about media reports that China was weighing whether to support Rebeca Grynspan, the current head of UN Trade and Development and former vice-president of Costa Rica, or Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana's permanent representative to the UN, for the post.

The selection of the UN secretary-general has a bearing on the organization's reform and development and the vital interests of its member states, Guo said.

China supports selecting a new secretary-general in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter, he said.

"China will work with all relevant parties to participate in the selection process in a responsible manner," Guo said.