US Exits UNESCO, China Boosts Global Influence

The United States' withdrawal from UNESCO, previously a significant financial contributor, is seen as creating an opportunity for China to expand its influence within the organization. Beijing is actively increasing its presence and impact on areas such as educational curricula, historical designations, and artificial intelligence guidelines. China has stepped into the void left by the U.S., with a Chinese official now holding a deputy director general position. UNESCO has supported Chinese initiatives like the Belt and Road, and China is seeking more World Heritage sites, some of which are in regions with disputed cultural histories. Furthermore, UNESCO is collaborating with a Chinese AI company on educational initiatives, raising questions about the organization's role in shaping global AI standards.