US ties UN dues to China curbs and reforms, report says
The United States has conditioned the release of billions of dollars in unpaid UN dues on specific reforms, including measures to counter China's influence, according to a Devex report. The conditions include overhauling the UN pension system, ending business-class travel for senior and mid-level professionals, cutting senior ranks, reducing peacekeeping missions by 10%, and blocking China from channeling funds to a discretionary fund in the UN secretary general's office. The US owes billions, and the UN faces 'imminent financial collapse' per its chief. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric called assessed contributions a treaty obligation, noting Secretary General Antonio Guterres is already leading reforms. The US mission to the UN and China's UN mission did not immediately comment.
Key facts
- US conditions UN dues on reforms including countering China influence.
- Devex reported two diplomatic notes with nine 'quick-hit' reforms.
- Reforms include pension overhaul, travel cuts, senior staff reductions.
- 10% reduction in long-standing peacekeeping missions demanded.
- Block China from channeling funds to UN secretary general's discretionary fund.
- US owes billions in unpaid fees, UN faces 'imminent financial collapse'.
- UN spokesman says assessed contributions are a treaty obligation.
- US has withdrawn from dozens of UN bodies and cut funding last year.
Entities
Institutions
- United Nations
- Devex
- US mission to the UN
- China's UN mission
Locations
- New York
- United States
- China