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China backs Thailand for UN SG
China has expressed its clear stance to support Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai in his bid for the top post of the United Nations, Malaysian news agency Bernama quoted a Thai News Agency report as saying.

According to the Kyoto-datelined report, China said that it was time that the next UN Secretary-General should come from the Asian region, and that Dr. Surakiart was qualified for the UN's top job.

Beijing made its stand known at the ASEAN ministerial meeting held Kyoto, Japan on Friday on the sidelines of the 7th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon who attended the meeting said they discussed the East Asian Summit in Malaysia later this year and the proposed UN reforms.

China's open support for Thailand is likely to deal a blow to Sri Lanka, which is fielding Peace Secretariat Chief and former UN Under Secretary General Jayantha Dhanapala. Mr. Dhanapala told The Sunday Times last night that the veracity of the report should be investigated through diplomatic channels and the campaign would go on.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Sri Lanka last month supported the need for an Asian Secretary General at the UN, but avoided any reference to Sri Lanka's candidacy.
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