China today reiterated its backing for multilateralism and criticised the decision of the United States to withdraw from several worldwide organisations, considering that such actions undermine global cooperation and the international order.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, indicated that the US departure from 35 non-UN organisations and from 31 UN agencies contrary to its interests does not constitute news.

Mao affirmed that international and multilateral organisations exist to protect the common interests of their members and not the particular interests of a single country.

The diplomat emphasised that for over 80 years the international system centred on the UN has contributed to world peace and stability, to economic and social development, and to guaranteeing the equal rights of all States.

Mao noted that the current situation demonstrates that the effective functioning of the multilateral system is essential to prevent the prevalence of the «law of the strongest» and to avoid might determining right in the international order.

The spokesperson expressed that China will continue supporting multilateralism and the central function of the UN, and will promote alongside the international community a more just and balanced system of global governance.

The above occurs in a context of growing debate about the crisis of the international order and the multilateral system, the role of the United States in global institutions and the necessity to reform the governance system, as well as to strengthen cooperation between large and small countries.