解决全球治理中的赤字问题 - 2026-09-08
China, as the second-largest contributor to the United Nations' regular budget, accounts for about 20 percent of total assessed contributions, trailing only the United States.
However, unlike the US, China has consistently paid its regular dues in full and on time, and with its recent payment it has paid its full annual dues of $641 million, earning public acknowledgment and praise from the UN.
Saying the funds "come in handy", a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday thanked China for its latest payment. Speaking at a news briefing, Stephane Dujarric said that "having the full amount is extremely helpful to the ongoing liquidity crisis" the UN faces. He added that China's payment brought the number of fully paid-up member states to 133.
The most notable exception is the US, which accounts for about 98 percent of unpaid contributions to the UN's main budget. The US administration has stated its intention to pay $725 million to the UN, but when asked about it, Dujarric could only say that "it is in the pipeline".
As the organization's largest "debtor", the US reportedly has outstanding arrears totaling over $4 billion for the regular budget, of which $1.8 billion is for peacekeeping operations. This chronic underpayment has directly constrained the UN's cash flow, forced delays in peacekeeping operations, and hindered the implementation of vital programs worldwide.
Washington's failure to honor its financial obligations not only undermines the UN, but also creates a persistent financial strain that other member states are left to partially offset. The situation led Guterres to warn that the UN is facing a "race to bankruptcy" unless its member states pay their dues in full and on time.
Because of severe financial strains facilitated by a broader US retreat from multilateralism and shifting donor priorities, the UN departments and other international organizations in Geneva are reportedly facing unprecedented funding cuts and staff member reductions, with over 3,000 jobs lost since 2025. Agencies such as UNICEF, the UN agency for children's welfare, are downsizing or relocating; while UNAIDS, dedicated to tackling HIV/AIDS, faces possible closure. Although Switzerland and local foundations have pledged financial support, Geneva's status as the "capital of multilateralism" is now being challenged.
What the US has done in recent years — deliberately withholding or delaying its assessed contributions to the UN — has undoubtedly weakened not only Geneva's long-held role as a hub for international cooperation, but also the collaborative spirit that has been central to addressing global challenges ranging from pandemics to climate change.
All these developments expose deeper problems that have long plagued the UN and its affiliated agencies. The result has been a widening disconnect between rights and responsibilities, and a steady erosion of the UN's ability to operate with stability and predictability.
China consistently supports UN reform and emphasizes that it should focus on improving efficiency and enhancing governance capabilities. On the one hand, the UN needs to strengthen budget management and implement comprehensive performance oversight. This involves eliminating redundant structures, inefficient processes and overlapping functions to optimize global resource allocation and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
On the other hand, its reform should adhere to the principles of fairness and inclusivity, with governance resources and development benefits to be channeled toward key areas such as poverty reduction, livelihoods, public health and regional development.
The US' shift away from multilateralism is a shortsighted approach that overlooks the interconnected nature of today's global issues. Nations should abandon zero-sum thinking, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and support structural reforms within the UN. Such steps are essential to invigorating the multilateral system and building a solid foundation for global peace, development and shared benefits.
Source: China Daily
