China urges U.S. to be sincere in rejoining UNESCO

(ECNS) -- China hopes the U.S. decision to rejoin UNESCO is made out of a sense of responsibility and aimed at supporting multilateralism and contributing to international cooperation,  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersonWang Wenbin said at a daily briefing on Tuesday.

Wang noted that the U.S. withdrew twice from UNESCO, which had a negative impact on the organization's work.

The membership of an international organization is something that should be taken seriously, Wang said, adding that if the U.S. is serious about what it means to rejoin the organization, it needs to show sincerity in observing international rules and respecting international rule of law, and earnestly fulfill its due international obligation as a responsible nation, including paying off its dues in arrears owed to UNESCO for years.

He stressed that international organizations are not parks. "Countries can’t just come and go as they please. More importantly, the U.S. must not view international organizations as places for geopolitical wrestling and pursue 'global leadership' in the name of the interests of the international community."