ISTANBUL

China said Thursday it would “stay true to multilateralism” after the US ordered its withdrawal from dozens of international organizations, stressing the continued importance of UN-centered institutions in maintaining global order.

“It is not the first time” the US has withdrawn from international organizations, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

“The significance of international organization does not lie in representing selfish interests” of any single country, but in “representing all nations,” she said.

Mao said UN-centered organizations have helped “uphold global peace and stability,” promote socio-economic development and “safeguarded equal rights of all nations.”

“What we are witnessing proves that it is effective implementation of UN system to prevent law of jungle and keep the international order from being dominated by the logic that ‘might makes right and force represents justice,’” she said.

She added that China will continue to support multilateralism, “supports central role of UN and will work to build a just and equitable global system.”

Her remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing federal agencies to withdraw from 66 international organizations, arguing that the bodies no longer serve US interests.

“The Memorandum orders all Executive Departments and Agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities that operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty,” the White House said.

The White House framed the move as part of a broader effort to restore “American sovereignty” and reduce spending on institutions it said “undermine America’s independence and waste taxpayer dollars.”

Among the most high-profile withdrawals is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which underpins global climate negotiations and the Paris Agreement.

The administration is also ending US support for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides sexual and reproductive health services worldwide and has long faced opposition from Republicans.

Previous US withdrawals include the World Health Organization, the UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Beyond the UN, Washington will also exit several security, democracy and regional cooperation bodies, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation.

Other organizations affected are largely technical, research, trade and cultural bodies, many linked to environmental policy, natural resources, labor, education and data coordination.

They include the United Nations University, the International Tropical Timber Organization, the International Cotton Advisory Committee and several scientific and industry-focused study groups.

The administration said the organizations were redundant, ineffective or misaligned with US priorities, and that funding would be redirected toward domestic and strategic initiatives.