China Criticizes Trump’s Decision to Withdraw from UNESCO

China has criticized the United States for abandoning its responsibilities as a leading global power following former President Donald Trump’s renewed decision to pull the U.S. out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision, which stems from concerns over alleged pro-Palestinian and pro-Chinese bias, as well as opposition to the organization’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, marks the third time the U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris-based agency.

The move has sparked backlash from Beijing, which accused Washington of undermining international cooperation. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry reaffirmed Beijing’s support for UNESCO and condemned the U.S. for failing to meet its financial commitments to the organization.

“This is the third time the U.S. is pulling out of UNESCO, and it has long failed to clear its arrears. This is not behavior expected of a major world power,” said ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing in Beijing. He called on all nations to recommit to multilateralism and uphold the United Nations-led global framework.

Tensions between China and the U.S. have remained high, with trade disputes and competing global interests already straining relations. The latest development is expected to further widen that divide. Recent global surveys have also indicated rising approval for China and President Xi Jinping, while support for the U.S. and its former leader has seen a slight decline.

The Trump administration previously exited UNESCO in 2018, citing similar concerns. That decision was later reversed by President Joe Biden, who rejoined the agency to counter growing Chinese influence and reestablish U.S. leadership in multilateral forums.

The new withdrawal, scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2026, could significantly affect the agency’s work, especially in cultural preservation and global education. UNESCO is known for its World Heritage Sites program and efforts in science and education advancement.

The agency’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, expressed disappointment over the move, saying it goes against the spirit of multilateralism and could impact many U.S.-based partners. She noted that while the withdrawal was anticipated, measures were already in place to mitigate its financial and operational impact, including diversifying funding sources.

“UNESCO today offers a rare platform for practical, consensus-based multilateral action,” Azoulay said. “The reasons given for this decision are outdated and do not reflect the organization’s ongoing work, particularly in Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.”

Azoulay also emphasized that UNESCO has been instrumental in helping over 85 countries implement educational tools and train teachers to combat genocide denial, hate speech, and disinformation. Despite the anticipated reduction in resources, she affirmed the agency’s commitment to its global mission.

In a statement, the U.S. government defended the decision, criticizing the agency for prioritizing what it described as a divisive ideological agenda, including heavy focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It also reiterated long-standing opposition to UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine as a member state, which it said has led to increased anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.

Until the withdrawal takes effect in 2026, the U.S. will remain a full member of UNESCO.