China reaffirms commitment to multilateralism after US withdraws from 66 intl bodies

China has reiterated its support for multilateralism and the United Nations-led international system after reports that the United States plans to withdraw from dozens of international organizations and halt funding for institutions deemed inconsistent with its "America First" agenda.

According to a recent statement from the White House, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday withdrawing the US from 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities that "operate contrary to US national interests".

Responding to the move, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning highlighted that US' withdrawals from international organizations are "nothing new", stressing that international and multilateral institutions exist to serve the collective interests of member states rather than the interests of any single country.