China Expands UN Influence as US Withdraws from Agencies

The Government of China is expanding its influence across the United Nations and its specialized agencies while the United States withdraws from the multilateral system. Beijing has increased its personnel within the UN system by one-third since the pandemic, targeting lower-profile bodies that establish global standards for nuclear regulation, climate science, and artificial intelligence. To gain leverage over rule-making, China is providing funding, navigation systems, and software while positioning itself as a champion of the Global South.

This shift coincides with a U.S. strategy under President Donald Trump to withdraw from 31 agencies and withhold dues. Trump has criticized the organization for imposing a far-left agenda of globalist bureaucrats. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz has warned against the prospect of a UN Beijing, questioning why the U.S. does not simply walk away from the organization entirely.

Chinese officials, including Ambassador Fu Cong, maintain that Beijing is practicing genuine multilateralism and seeking equality rather than a takeover. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, noted that international organizations are not a bubble of purity and perfection but operate in a world that is inherently competitive and tough.