On June 29, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with the Candidate for the Next UN Secretary-General and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Former President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embaló attended the meeting.

Macky Sall noted that under the current circumstances, the status and role of the UN have become all the more prominent. It is important to respect the leading role of Member States, advance UN reform in a gradual and pragmatic manner, uphold the principles of fairness, justice, consensus, inclusiveness and openness, adhere to the spirit of the UN Charter including non-interference in internal affairs, safeguard the authority and efficiency of the Security Council, and focus on the international development agenda. Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has increasingly become a force for global stability and plays a pivotal role in international affairs. He firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly appreciates China’s longstanding commitment to advancing multilateralism and supporting the central role of the UN, and actively supports the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping. He expressed readiness to work with China and the international community to strengthen UN solidarity, deepen South-South cooperation, and jointly promote world peace, development and prosperity.

Wang Yi noted that Mr. Macky Sall’s decision to run for the Secretary-General election reflects his firm belief in multilateralism and the United Nations and, more importantly, his commitment to safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and Africa. Defending, reinvigorating and strengthening the United Nations is the shared aspiration of all member states. China will continue to unite more countries, build stronger synergy, and help the UN better adapt to the needs of the times, so as to achieve sustained development and growth amid transformations.

Wang Yi pointed out that the international community widely expects the UN to rise to challenges and play an active and responsible role in promoting peace and development for humanity. The next Secretary-General should actively respond to the calls of all member states, follow the development needs of the UN, give due regard to the legitimate aspirations of the Global South, and be committed to upholding the UN Charter, demonstrating outstanding competence, fairness and integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. China’s development represents the growth of factors for world peace, the strengthening of forces for stability, and the amplification of the voice of justice. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China highly values its cooperation with African countries at the UN. China will play a responsible and constructive role in the election process of the next Secretary-General, support the UN in reinvigorating its authority and vitality, and help it better play its central and leading role in international affairs.