China Says US Exit From UN Agencies Undermines Global Multilateral System

China has said the United States’ decision to withdraw from United Nations bodies and other entities was a proof that the international landscape was witnessing an effective operation of the multilateral system.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasised that only such a system can “stop the law of the jungle from prevailing and stop the ‘might is right’ approach from dominating the international order.”

“This is what most countries, small and less developed ones in particular, need the most now,” spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a briefing on Thursday.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said that after a review, his administration had determined that remaining a member of 66 international organisations no longer serves American interests.

Reacting, Ning stressed that international organisations and multilateral agencies are not for “the selfish interest of any particular country,” but for upholding the common interests of all member-states.

The official praised the “UN-centered international system” for upholding global peace and stability, socio-economic development, as well as nations’ equal rights and interests over the past 80 years.

China restated its support for multilateralism and the UN’s role in international affairs, vowing to work with the international community “to build a more just and equitable global governance system.”

Commenting on the United States’ seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela, Ming argued that the “arbitrary” action “seriously violated international law.”

The spokesperson expressed China’s opposition to “unilateral illicit sanctions” that lack justification in international law or authorisation of the UN Security Council.

Beijing further cautioned against any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and infringes upon other countries’ sovereignty and security.