Jan 9, 10:55 AM
Beijing Downplays Reported U.S. Exit From Dozens of Global Bodies, Reaffirms Support for Multilateralism
China’s foreign ministry says international institutions should serve shared global interests and warns against power politics.
China has reacted to reports that the United States plans to withdraw from dozens of international organizations, saying such moves are not unprecedented and do not alter the fundamental role of multilateral institutions. Beijing stressed that global bodies are designed to serve the collective interests of the international community rather than the priorities of individual states.
At a regular press briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China spokesperson Mao Ning commented on reports that Washington intends to leave 66 international organizations, including 31 entities linked to the United Nations and 35 non-UN bodies. She said such decisions were “nothing new” and should be viewed in a broader historical context.
Mao emphasised that the value of international organisations lies in protecting common interests through cooperation. She said multilateral mechanisms are meant to prevent international affairs from being shaped by narrow national self-interest.
According to Mao, the UN-centred international system has played a key role for more than 80 years in maintaining global peace and stability, promoting economic and social development, and safeguarding the principle of equal rights among countries.
She added that current global challenges highlight the importance of effective multilateral frameworks. In her remarks, Mao warned that without such systems, international relations risk sliding toward what she described as the “law of the jungle,” where power politics and the use of force dominate. She said this concern is particularly relevant for smaller and developing countries.
China, she said, will continue to support multilateralism and uphold the central role of the United Nations in global affairs. Beijing also pledged to work with other countries to advance what it called a more fair and balanced system of global governance.
The comments reflect China’s broader diplomatic stance amid shifts in international engagement by major powers, as debates continue over the future role and effectiveness of multilateral institutions.
