January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
BEIJING, July 23 — China today expressed regret over the United States' decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), calling it an irresponsible move for a major global power.
“This is not the behavior expected of a responsible major country,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
He added that China has consistently supported Unesco’s work.
The US announced its decision to leave Unesco yesterday, accusing the agency of bias against Israel and promoting divisive agendas. The withdrawal is set to take effect in December 2026.
Former US President Donald Trump had previously pulled the country out of Unesco in 2017, but membership was reinstated under President Joe Biden.
Since returning to office, Trump has signaled a broader retreat from international cooperation, targeting several multilateral institutions—including the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement—while imposing heavy trade tariffs on both allies and rivals.
China, in contrast, has continued to position itself as a champion of multilateralism, voicing support for the United Nations and related bodies.
“This marks the third time the US has withdrawn from Unesco, and it has also long failed to pay its membership dues,” Guo noted.
“We urge all nations to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and take concrete steps to support the international system centered around the UN,” he said. — AFP
