China signals preferences for next UN secretary‑general, backs geographic rotation and a woman candidate; says it 'de facto' tops regular budget contributions

Ambassador Fu said the Security Council presidency will seek to develop a Council modality for participating in the selection of the next UN secretary‑general, including possible Council hearings and straw polls. He said China will "initiate this consultation among the members of the Security Council very early on" and hopes members can agree modalities so work can advance in June or July.

Asked whether China has a preferred candidate among the nominees, Fu declined to name anyone but set out criteria: a secretary‑general who is "committed to multilateralism," who will strengthen the UN’s three pillars (peace and security, development and human rights), who is not aligned to a single superpower and who reflects geographic rotation. Fu added that China "would be very happy to see" a female secretary‑general.

On funding and development, Fu told reporters China is "already the de facto number one financial contributor to the regular budget" given unpaid dues by other states, and he emphasized China's long‑standing support for development assistance to the global south. He said China will continue to step up support as it can and urged other major contributors to maintain or increase assistance.