UN’s Guterres emphasizes China’s crucial role in promoting multilateralism
China’s support is key for multilateralism, says UN’s Guterres
Antonio Guterres speaks during a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping (not pictured) ahead of the SCO Summit 2025, Tianjin, China, 30 August 2025. / Reuters
August 30, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted China’s pivotal role in sustaining multilateralism during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a security forum on Saturday.
Xi reaffirmed that China would remain a “reliable partner” to the UN, ensuring “stability and certainty.”
Guterres is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, which brings together Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Central, South, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, in a demonstration of Global South unity.
“At a time when multilateralism is facing significant challenges, China’s support is an extremely important factor to uphold,” Guterres said, according to a media pool report.
‘Upholding global peace’
“We are witnessing new policy approaches that are sometimes hard to interpret, appearing more performative than serious diplomatic engagement, and where business and politics occasionally overlap,” he added.
“The People’s Republic of China serves as a cornerstone of the multilateral system, and its role is crucial. We are deeply grateful for this support,” Guterres stressed.
Xi pledged China’s backing.
“China is committed to strengthening cooperation with the United Nations, supporting its central role in global affairs, and jointly taking responsibility for maintaining world peace while promoting development and prosperity,” Xi told Guterres.
