Who applied the veto against Mr. Kurt Waldheim's re-election for a third term?

The veto against Mr. Kurt Waldheim's re-election for a third term as Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1981 was indeed applied by China. This decision reflected China's political stance at the time, particularly regarding Waldheim's previous role and position on issues relevant to global politics.

China's veto was significant as it marked one of the instances where a permanent member of the Security Council exercised its veto power in the context of the election of a UN Secretary-General. Waldheim's past, including his controversial associations during World War II, drew criticism and influenced member states' opinions, leading to his failure to secure a third term despite being a candidate. This event underscores the intricate interplay of international relations, where a single country's political decisions can have widespread implications for leadership within the United Nations.

The other countries listed might have had varying opinions on Waldheim, but it was specifically China that took action to prevent his re-election, underscoring its role in shaping UN governance during that period.