China expands UN influence as Xi Jinping meets Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not address the United Nations General Assembly this week, opting instead to meet with Donald Trump in Washington. China will be represented at the assembly by Vice President Han Zheng.

While the U.S. administration has reduced its presence and contributions to various international organizations, China is expanding its influence within the UN system. The number of Chinese staff within the UN has grown by one-third since the pre-pandemic period, reaching 1,641 individuals. This presence allows Beijing to exert influence over committees, councils, and appointment processes.

China is also utilizing software, navigation systems, and financial contributions to gain a more decisive role in setting global standards, particularly in sensitive areas like artificial intelligence. While U.S. leadership has criticized the UN for promoting certain agendas, China is positioning itself as a key actor in the multilateral system, seeking to shape global norms through various agencies.