China has criticized attempts by the U.S. to scupper its candidate's chances of becoming director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Making the case for "a fair competition of professionals," the Chinese ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Chen Xu, on Wednesday accused Washington of turning the election into a "political game" and creating hurdles for the nomination of Wang Binying, currently the deputy director general of WIPO.

Chen, addressing the media in Geneva, said: "The United States has no candidate of his own, yet it tries every means to block Ms Wang Binying and even makes this venture its top diplomatic agenda."

He added: "China's bid for the post of heads of international organizations is aimed at promoting international cooperation. It represents China's willingness to support multilateralism and to make more contributions to the United Nations."

WIPO's Coordination Committee will nominate a candidate for the post of director general between 4 and 5 March. The term of office of the current WIPO chief, Francis Gurry, an Australian national, will expire on 20 September.

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