By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to the U.S.’s decision to withdraw from UNESCO, China has criticized Washington for neglecting its global responsibilities, highlighting the strained relations already complicated by tariffs. China firmly supports UNESCO and urges all countries to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism. The U.S. cited concerns about perceived bias and a focus on policies it opposes, echoing previous withdrawals. The decision, set to take effect in December 2026, will impact the agency’s work in preserving cultural heritage, education, and science, drawing regret from UNESCO’s Director-General.
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China reacts to Trump’s UNESCO decision with a mix of calculated pragmatism and, let’s be honest, a certain degree of satisfaction. The decision by the United States to withdraw from UNESCO, particularly under the Trump administration, has been seen as a move that plays directly into China’s strategic ambitions. It’s not about altruism, mind you; China, like any major power, is primarily concerned with its own interests. But the space left by the US, especially in a multilateral organization like UNESCO, creates opportunities that China is eager to fill.
Specifically, China’s response focuses on two main areas: its critique of the US action and its own strategic positioning in the global landscape. The rhetoric coming from China is that the US is shirking its responsibilities as a global leader. They’ve accused Washington of neglecting its duties, particularly in the domains of education, science, and culture, which are all central to UNESCO’s mission. This is framed as a lack of commitment to international cooperation, a hallmark of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, and a void that China is seemingly prepared to fill.
Furthermore, China has a keen understanding of soft power. They recognize that cultural influence and diplomatic leadership are valuable tools. The US’s withdrawal from UNESCO, therefore, is not just a symbolic act; it’s a tangible loss of influence on the global stage. For China, this represents a significant advantage. It can step into the role vacated by the US and gain greater sway in international discussions and decisions, especially since the US had been there to solidify and protect their own worldwide influence.
China’s strategy involves leveraging its economic and diplomatic clout to expand its presence and influence within UNESCO and other international bodies. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative demonstrate China’s willingness to invest in infrastructure and development projects across the globe. This engagement, coupled with its growing cultural influence, enhances its ability to shape narratives and priorities on a global scale. China is not just passively benefiting from the US’s decisions; it’s actively positioning itself to be a major player on the world stage.
Of course, we need to be skeptical about China’s actions. The country’s history shows it, too, prioritizes its own interests. While it may appear to be taking the high road by criticizing the US, it also has its own internal challenges and questionable actions, like the destruction of historical sites to further its interests. It is important to look beyond the initial rhetoric and assess its actions with a critical eye.
Some people think that Trump’s actions are helping China. They are concerned that the US’s retreat is unintentionally accelerating China’s rise to superpower status. They also point out that this isn’t the first time the US has withdrawn from UNESCO; it happened under Republican presidents before. The shift in the global order, whether intentional or not, is changing the dynamics of power, and China sees this shift as a golden opportunity.
The response is further amplified by China’s understanding of how international relations function. China understands that the US had these leadership roles to solidify and protect their own worldwide influence, not because they were good guys. China is well aware that their involvement in developing other countries is in their own best interest and they’re already doing it.
This entire situation highlights a key point about international politics: it’s a game of interests, not necessarily one of morals. China understands this, and they are playing the game with a long-term strategy. The US withdrawal from UNESCO, regardless of the motivation, is an instance of self-sabotage, creating a void that China will be eager and more than able to fill. The real winner in this situation? China. The losers are Americans.