BEIJING – July 23, 2025:
China has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), calling the move irresponsible and a blow to global cooperation.
“This is not the action that a responsible major country should take,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a press briefing on Wednesday.
The US announced on Tuesday that it would be pulling out of UNESCO once again, accusing the agency of having an anti-Israel bias and promoting “divisive” global causes. The decision will formally take effect in December 2026.
China expressed “deep regret” over the move and emphasized its ongoing support for the agency. “China has always firmly supported the work of UNESCO,” Guo added.
This marks the third time that the United States has exited the UN body. Former President Donald Trump pulled out of UNESCO during his first term in 2017, citing similar concerns. His successor, President Joe Biden, later restored American membership. However, Trump’s return to office in 2025 has led to renewed withdrawals from multilateral institutions.
A Pattern of Retreat
Since taking office earlier this year, Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to a more isolationist foreign policy. He has previously withdrawn the US from key international frameworks, including the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. His administration has also imposed strict trade tariffs on both allies and rival nations.
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China, on the other hand, is positioning itself as a champion of global cooperation. “This is already the third time that the US has withdrawn from UNESCO, and it has long been in arrears with its membership fees,” Guo pointed out.
Call for Multilateral Unity
Guo called on the global community to support international cooperation. “We call on all countries to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and take concrete actions to support the international system with the UN at its core,” he said.
UNESCO is widely known for designating World Heritage Sites and promoting global education, science, and culture. The US withdrawal raises fresh concerns about the future direction of multilateral institutions and the role of leading nations in shaping global consensus.
