James Traub‘s New York Times Magazine story “The World According to China” is a must read for anyone hoping to dissect the inner workings of the U.N. Security Council. It also contains some juicy nuggets regarding the race for Secretary-General. Recalling how “China has promised to deliver an Asian” to the post this year, Traub notes that the government’s leadership on the selection process comes not without political choices.
China may be happy to firm up its ties with India by backing Shashi Tharoor, a career U.N. official who is India’s candidate, but Pakistan, a close ally, may object strenuously. China may, for once, have to disappoint or even anger some fraternal members of the G77 — a situation it tries very hard to avoid.
What may China be looking for in the next UNSG, according to Traub?
The Chinese are much too subtle to throw their support behind a single candidate, but it is widely assumed that they want a technocrat who will put aside Annan’s (admittedly tarnished) mantle of moral authority. Wang, of course, disclaims any such ambition, but he does express the hope that Annan’s successor “might bring some perspective from Asia.” By this, he explained, he meant “patience over rush” and an emphasis on collective rights — those of the state — rather than individual ones. If China succeeds in this regard, the U.S. might find the U.N. an even less hospitable place than it is now.
My first thought upon reading this was, “Hmmm, what does this mean for the perceived ‘moral authority’ of the ultimate candidate endorsed by China?” My second thought was, “Does Traub’s mention of Tharoor – and omission of Ban – mean anything?” And my third thought was, “Oh man, I am straining too hard to read the tea leaves!”
Traub’s article was published just two days before Jordanian permanent representative Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein became an official candidate for Secretary-General. But Traub still worked him into the story as he recounted “China’s all-hands-on-deck mobilization” to keep Japan from winning a permanent seat on the Security Council:
“Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein, the permanent representative of Jordan, which was considering becoming a co-sponsor of the resolution expanding the council’s permanent membership, says that he was called to a caucus room at the Security Council to meet with a Chinese diplomat. “The guy was apoplectic,” Prince Zeid recalls. “He said, ‘How can a great power refuse to accept essential, fundamental truths and yet take pride in the good works it does across the globe?’ ” He later sent Prince Zeid a copy of a book titled “The Rape of Nanking: An Undeniable History in Photographs.” Jordan continued to support the resolution but declined to become a sponsor.”
Does this mean Zeid has the “go along to get along” attitude China wants to install on the 38th floor? Of course not. Zeid is far too respected to pass judgement based on this one incident. But it certainly can’t hurt his chances.
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