The United States is withholding billions in overdue payments to the United Nations until the international organization implements nine specific reforms, including measures to limit China’s growing influence, according to a report published Tuesday.
Development news organization Devex obtained two diplomatic documents showing America’s demands for what officials call “quick-hit” changes before releasing additional funding to the cash-strapped UN.
The reform demands include restructuring the United Nations pension program, eliminating business-class air travel for certain senior staff and all mid-level employees, reducing the number of top-tier positions, and cutting peacekeeping operations by 10% where missions have proven ineffective over time.
Most notably, Washington wants to prevent China from contributing tens of millions annually to a discretionary account controlled by the UN Secretary-General’s office, a strategy designed to reduce Beijing’s institutional influence.
“These reforms will be an indication that the UN is serious about reform,” one diplomatic note stated, according to Devex reporting.
Neither the US mission to the United Nations nor China’s UN representatives provided immediate responses when asked for comment. Washington has consistently pressured the organization for changes after withdrawing from multiple UN agencies this year and reducing funding in previous years.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that member nations’ financial contributions represent “a treaty obligation” and noted Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is already pursuing “a pretty heavy reform” agenda.
“It involves decisions that member states must take if we want to have a U.N. that is more effective, that uses its resources in the best way possible,” Dujarric explained during a press briefing. “The secretary-general is doing everything he can in that direction.”
Guterres warned earlier this year that the United Nations faced potential “imminent financial collapse” due to unpaid member contributions, with the vast majority owed by the United States. By February, America had paid approximately $160 million of its total $4 billion debt.
Current US obligations include $2.19 billion for the regular UN operating budget as of early February, representing more than 95% of all outstanding member dues worldwide. Additional American debts total $2.4 billion for current and previous peacekeeping operations, plus $43.6 million for UN tribunal expenses.
