UN chief says global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots

Global problems will not be solved by one power "calling the shots" or by splitting the world into rival spheres, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday in comments directed at the United States and China.



Guterres spoke to reporters to mark the start of his 10th and final year in office. The U.N. Security Council will choose his successor later this year.



"Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots," said Guterres, later adding it was a reference to the United States. "Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence."



When asked to clarify, he said: "We see, and many see, in relation to the future, the idea that there are two poles, one centered in the U.S. and one centered in China ... If we want a stable world, if we want a world in which peace can be sustained, in which development can be generalized, and in which - in the end - our values will prevail, we need to support multipolarity."



The U.S. and Chinese missions to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.