Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet in Beijing on Thursday, according to Chinese state media.

Bachelet is being discussed as a potential candidate in the race to succeed the current UN Secretary-General when the position next becomes vacant.

China Signals Active Participation

During the meeting, Wang said China would participate in the selection of the next United Nations secretary-general in a “responsible and constructive manner”.

According to the Chinese readout, Beijing will work to help the United Nations strengthen its authority, relevance and effectiveness in addressing emerging global challenges.

Wang also said the organisation must adapt to changing international circumstances and improve its ability to respond to new geopolitical, economic and security pressures.

Why The Meeting Matters

As one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China plays a crucial role in selecting the next UN Secretary-General.

Any candidate ultimately requires support from the Security Council before being approved by the broader UN membership.

The meeting therefore offers an early indication of Beijing’s engagement with potential candidates who may seek to lead the organisation in the future.

Bachelet’s International Profile

Bachelet served twice as President of Chile and later became the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

She remains one of the most internationally recognised political figures from Latin America and has frequently been mentioned in discussions about future leadership roles within the United Nations system.