Earlier today in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to Washington’s decision to withdraw from 66 international bodies, calling it nothing new 🌐
Among the 66 orgs are 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN groups, covering areas from peacekeeping and health to tech standards. At a press briefing on January 8, 2026, Mao stressed that these multilateral institutions exist to serve all nations’ shared goals—not just one country’s priorities 🤝
She highlighted that the UN-centered system has kept global peace and stability, boosted economic and social growth, and ensured fair treatment among nations for over 80 years. According to Mao, only a strong multilateral framework can stop power politics and the rule of the jungle, adding that smaller and developing countries benefit most when everyone plays by the same rules
For young professionals across South and Southeast Asia—from the tech hubs of Bengaluru and Ho Chi Minh City to the startups of Manila—this debate matters. Whether it’s pandemic response, climate funding, or digital infrastructure, your region relies on cooperation at the global level
In plain speak, multilateralism is like teaming up on a group project: you share resources, set common rules, and work toward mutual wins 🔄
China reaffirmed that it will back the UN’s leading role and push for a fairer, more inclusive global governance model. For many here, the big question is: will others step up to keep the spirit of multilateralism alive?
Reference(s):
China: U.S. withdrawal from 66 international bodies is nothing new
cgtn.com
