Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said China will take part in the selection of the next United Nations (UN) secretary-general in a responsible and constructive manner while meeting with Michelle Bachelet, candidate for the next UN secretary-general and former Chilean president in Beijing.
Bachelet pointed to the UN as the indispensable platform for the international community to respond jointly to global challenges, saying the UN should uphold the authority of the Charter, remain action-oriented and take coordinated steps to advance the three pillars of peace, development and human rights.
Stressing her firm commitment to the one-China principle, Bachelet expressed her appreciation for China's long-standing efforts in promoting multilateralism and the UN cause, and her readiness to work with China and the international community to jointly enhance the status and role of the UN.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China will work to promote the United Nations to revitalize its authority and vitality, and to better adapt to the new circumstances and better cope with new challenges.
Noting China has always been the staunch supporter and active constructor of the UN cause, Wang said China is willing to work with all sides to safeguard, revitalize and strengthen the UN.
China to participate in selection of next UN chief in responsible, constructive manner: FM
A series of cross-Strait exchange activities have been held in north China's Shanxi Province, providing platforms for people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to explore shared history, culture, and business opportunities.
A ceremony worshiping Emperor Yandi, a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, was held in Gaoping, a county-level city in Shanxi on May 24.
The worship ceremony featured rituals including incense offering, the reading of eulogies, ritual bowing, and traditional Chinese instrument performances. The solemn event brought together people from both sides of the Strait, strengthening their shared sense of cultural belonging and deepening consensus around a common Chinese identity.
"Because (in Taiwan), we've known since childhood that we are descendants of Emperor Yandi and Emperor Huangdi, so attending this ceremony really meant a lot to me," said Hsieh Yu-Chan, a Taiwan resident.
"It truly gives me the feeling of being as the descendants of Yandi and Huangdi. I was deeply moved. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely come again next year," said another Taiwan resident.
Shanxi Province has a solid industrial base and a favorable business environment. The province has rolled out preferential policies for Taiwan residents, attracting more than 100 Taiwan-funded enterprises to invest and settle in.
On May 23, an event highlighting cross-Strait business exchanges was held in the province's Jincheng City, attracting nearly 150 Taiwan businesspeople and youths, enhancing mutual understanding and exploring business opportunities.
"(Shanxi's) cultural tourism, healthcare, and coal chemical industries, in particular, offer excellent opportunities for Taiwan businesses, while Taiwan businesses are also very strong in producing key components for AI computing power. The prospects [for cooperation] are very promising," said Lee Cheng-hung, president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland.
"The mainland's economy is actually very strong. I think the success rate of starting a business and investing here is at least twice as high as in Taiwan. So I encourage young people in Taiwan to come and visit more often," said Chang Han-hsuan, a businessman.
During the event, participants also visited local enterprises, a short video production base, and popular tourist attractions across Shanxi.
Cross-Strait cultural, business exchange activities held in Shanxi
