China Confirms Its Support for the United Nations at the Shanghai Forum, and Guterres Praises Its Role in Protecting Multilateralism

On Saturday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a security forum held in the coastal city of Tianjin, northern China, as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which sees high-level attendance from leaders of Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the meeting, Guterres emphasized the importance of China's role in supporting the multilateral system, considering Beijing's support for multilateralism "crucial at a time when these principles are under increasing attack."

He added that the world is witnessing unusual political transformations, where commercial interests mix with diplomatic discourse, making adherence to multilateralism more urgent.

For his part, President Xi affirmed that China will remain a "reliable partner" for the United Nations and will continue to provide "stability and certainty" in the international arena, noting his country's readiness to enhance cooperation with the UN and to bear its responsibilities in maintaining global peace and promoting development.

The meeting comes at a time when China is seeking to establish itself as an effective diplomatic power in the global south, amid rising geopolitical tensions and an increasing need for more balanced international alliances.