US Ties UN Funding to Reforms and Limits on China

The United States has set conditions for the release of billions of dollars in unpaid contributions to the United Nations, demanding rapid reforms including spending cuts and measures to reduce China’s influence within the organization, according to a report by Devex.

The proposals include pension reform, limits on business-class travel, cuts to senior management positions and a 10% reduction in long-ineffective peacekeeping missions.

Washington also wants to prevent China from transferring funds to the UN secretary-general’s discretionary fund.

The United Nations is facing serious financial difficulties, with Secretary-General António Guterres already warning of a possible institutional collapse.

China responded by criticizing Washington and calling on the US to meet its own financial commitments. The United States remains the organization’s largest debtor.

(reuters, mja)