US conditions for paying UN dues include China curbs, report says

The US ⁠has placed specific conditions on releasing billions of dollars it owes to the United Nations, including further cost-cutting, and moves to counter China’s influence at the world body, a development news wire reported on Tuesday.The report by Devex, an independent news organisation covering global development, ‌said two diplomatic notes circulated by the US called for nine “quick-hit” reforms as a condition for releasing more funds.It said these included: Overhauling the UN pension system Ending long-distance business-class travel for some senior and all mid-level professionals A “10 per cent reduction in long-standing, ineffective peacekeeping missions” Blocking China from channelling tens of millions of dollars each year to ⁠a discretionary fund housed in the office of the UN secretary general, a move aimedat counteringg Chinese influence at the ‌UN “These reforms will be an indication that the UN is serious about reform,” Devex quoted one of the documents as saying.UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks to delegates in New York on Monday. Photo: ReutersThe US mission to the UN ‌did not immediately respond to a request for comment.