The United States is accused of using its arrears in UN dues and pressure for reform as a means to curb China's influence.

The United States attaches conditions to paying its UN dues, aiming to curb China's influence!

On April 28, Devex reported that the U.S. issued two diplomatic notes to the United Nations, linking the release of billions in overdue dues to nine "quick-win" reforms. Core demands include overhauling pension systems, cutting high-level positions, reducing 10% of inefficient peacekeeping missions, and blocking China’s annual funding of millions of dollars to funds under the UN Secretary-General’s office—clearly aimed at curbing China’s growing influence. In recent years, the U.S. has repeatedly pressured the UN to reform; last year it slashed millions in aid, and this year it announced plans to exit dozens of UN agencies. China has not yet responded.

[Witty] A few comments: Today’s multilateral system is under immense pressure. The U.S.’s latest moves perfectly illustrate its hegemonic playbook—using unpaid bills as leverage, citing reform as an excuse, and targeting suppression as the ultimate goal. As the world’s largest delinquent payer, the U.S. owes over $3 billion in arrears, accounting for the vast majority of total outstanding payments. In 2025, it contributed nothing, nearly pushing the UN into fiscal collapse. Historically, the U.S. has long treated the UN as its own private tool: blocking China’s restoration of its seat in 1971, frequently withdrawing from international agreements, interfering in personnel elections at global organizations. Now, while refusing to pay its debts, it demands the UN “trim down” according to U.S. wishes—and specifically targets China’s legitimate and compliant financial support. Underlying this is fear that China’s rising voice in multilateral platforms threatens America’s hegemonic interests.

The UN is a multilateral stage based on sovereign equality—not a private company for the U.S. Those who fail to pay their dues have no right to play referee. Practices like forming exclusive cliques and suppressing other nations will only alienate more people and inevitably fail to gain traction.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863763580274691/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.