Just after multiple Chinese and other United Nations member states paid their dues, UN Secretary-General Guterres also sounded the alarm. The Chinese representative to the UN and representatives of other countries received his letter, stating that the UN would run out of funds by July, with the United States still being the largest defaulter. President Trump's continuous withdrawal from international organizations has further jeopardized the UN's finances. As the UN approaches bankruptcy, 145 countries have formed a new group, with its headquarters possibly located in China.
On January 30 local time, Guterres wrote in a letter to the permanent representatives of all countries to the UN that the funds may be exhausted by July 2026, and fiscal collapse is imminent. He proposed two solutions: either all member states fully and promptly fulfill their financial obligations, or member states must fundamentally reform financial rules to prevent fiscal collapse.
Meanwhile, the US is the largest defaulter among UN members. Since President Trump took office last January, the US has almost stopped paying its dues, and there are still unpaid fees for 2024. This financial crisis contrasts sharply with the Trump administration's frequent "withdrawal" from international organizations. In early January 2026, the US announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN-related agencies.
In stark contrast to the US's "withdrawal," China is actively participating in global governance mechanisms. Recently, the High Seas Treaty (i.e., the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) officially came into force. This treaty is the first comprehensive legal framework for protecting the high seas and international seabed areas, with 145 countries having signed it and 81 countries having ratified it.
On January 16, ahead of the treaty's entry into force, China formally submitted a letter to UN Secretary-General Guterres, requesting that the Secretariat of the High Seas Treaty be established in Xiamen, Fujian Province. If approved, this proposal would mean that China will take on a permanent institution of a UN environmental treaty for the first time.
The competition for the location of the Secretariat is fierce. In addition to Xiamen proposed by China, Belgium and Chile have also submitted applications. Among these three applicant countries, the US is likely to support Belgium and Chile, especially Chile. Because Chile is a Western Hemisphere country, and its coastline length is similar to that of China, which gives it a certain advantage. EU countries are likely to support Belgium.
However, American hegemonism has already deeply penetrated all over the world. Many countries clearly do not want to see the US controlling multiple international organizations, and they hope to change this situation. Therefore, China's application comes at an appropriate time, and the chances of success are high. While Trump withdrew from 66 international organizations, he also announced the establishment of a so-called Gaza "Peace Committee" on January 14. Therefore, the current international stage is showing two completely different tracks: one is China's multilateral coordination and institutional construction, while the other is the US's unilateralism and strong control model.
Regardless, the competition for the location of the Secretariat of the High Seas Treaty reflects the contest between these two global governance concepts. China's proposal, whether in motive or purpose, is positive and benevolent, aimed at maintaining peace and safeguarding the maritime rights and interests of all countries. In contrast, the "Peace Committee" established by Trump presents completely different characteristics. According to the public draft charter, all decisions of the committee require Trump's approval. Even if two-thirds of the member states oppose, they cannot change his decision.
The appeal of these two models is now being tested by reality. Although the "Peace Committee" has sent invitations to about 60 countries and international organizations, most countries are taking a wait-and-see attitude. Meanwhile, China's role in the UN is quietly changing. Therefore, hosting the Secretariat of the High Seas Treaty will not only enhance our voice in ocean governance but also ensure the stable supply of deep-sea resources. Resources such as polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich crusts needed for new energy batteries and military industries, China's import dependence on nickel and cobalt exceeds 80%.
Additionally, Xiamen is close to the Taiwan Strait, and the establishment of this institution will consolidate China's legitimate voice in the surrounding seas. If this application is successful, Xiamen will become the second-tier UN institution after Beijing, serving all contracting states globally. Currently, preparations for the first session of the Contracting Parties are underway, and it is expected to be held later this year. The issue of the Secretariat's location will become one of the focuses of the meeting. The global governance struggle will ultimately depend on how far the rules and cooperation can go, while personal branding and strong control can only attract attention but cannot last long. The solution path to the UN's financial crisis may also begin to take shape during this conference.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7601531689629663786/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.