Chinese President Xi Jinping told United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that China supports the UN’s central role in global affairs and remains committed to “true multilateralism.” Xi said China would continue to be a reliable partner of the organisation, Al Jazeera reported.

Guterres, in turn, described China’s backing as “an extremely important element to preserve.”

The exchange took place on Saturday in China, where Guterres is attending the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Xi, as rotating chair, will preside over the high-level gathering in Tianjin, which brings together leaders from more than 20 countries and 10 international organisations.

According to Al Jazeera, the summit will focus on strengthening security, economic, and cultural cooperation, with outcomes expected to include the Tianjin Declaration and a long-term strategy for the next decade.