Since the founding of the United Nations, the United States has been one of the prominent countries in arrears of its contributions to the United Nations. According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the United States is supposed to share 22% of its annual UN dues, but it still owes about $1 billion in arrears. This long-standing situation of arrears has put enormous pressure on the finances of the United Nations.
As one of the largest donors to the United Nations, the United States has been in arrears of its huge membership dues, which has aroused the dissatisfaction of many countries. In fact, several of the 52 countries that are in arrears this year have followed the example of the United States. At the same time, China has always insisted on paying its membership dues on time and has made important contributions to the development of the United Nations.
China had paid its regular contributions to the United Nations in full in mid-November, amounting to about 44.6 billion US dollars, equivalent to 3.2 billion yuan. This act once again underscores China's image as a responsible power. However, there has also been some change in China's attitude towards the payment of contributions. This year, China has postponed the payment of its membership dues until November, a departure from previous conventions.
Why hasn't the United States been suspended from voting, despite its long-standing arrears to the United Nations?This relates to the relevant provisions of Article 19 of the Charter of the United Nations. According to the Charter, a country loses the right to vote only if the total amount of its arrears reaches or exceeds the total amount of contributions due from the country for the preceding two years.
The U.S. carefully calculates its arrears, arranging for a portion of the fees to be paid every time it approaches $1.4 billion in arrears in order to retain voting rights. This practice can be said to be a means for the United States to exploit loopholes and calculate.
The long-standing arrears of the United States in its membership to the United Nations have had a profound impact on the functioning of the United Nations. First, the lack of adequate funding will make it impossible for the United Nations to move forward effectively, thus reducing its impact and execution. Second, the United States' arrears have also set an example for other countries, and there is a growing number of people who follow the example of the United States in the payment of their contributions.
The United States used to dominate the United Nations with the advantage of its economic power, but its influence gradually declined due to reasons such as arrears and hegemony. As an active contributor to the United Nations, China has always adhered to its responsibilities and made great contributions to the healthy development of the United Nations.
In order to break the hegemonism and power politics of the United States, it is necessary to put forward corresponding bills. Large economies must not default on their contributions to the United Nations, otherwise they will lose their voting rights in the General Assembly. Although this proposal is difficult, it can still play a role through unremitting efforts.
The shortage of United Nations funds has become a thorny problem. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on countries to lend a helping hand and help raise $1 billion in "emergency funds" to respond to emergency relief operations. China is willing to support this to the best of its ability.
However, in order to truly solve the problem, the United Nations would need to collect the arrears of their contributions. It is contrary to the principle of fairness and justice that countries that have the ability to incite war without paying their dues to maintain world peace should not be allowed to go unpunished.
The phenomenon of the United States being in arrears with its membership dues to the United Nations for a long time has aroused widespread concern and dissatisfaction. Such behaviour not only undermines the financial resources and influence of the United Nations, but also violates international rules and the principle of fairness. As one of the largest contributors, the United States should shoulder its international responsibilities and pay its dues in full and on time.
At the same time, other large economies should also actively participate in international affairs and pay their dues to the United Nations on time to ensure the normal operation of the United Nations and the effective promotion of its work. This is not only in the common interest of the international community, but also the obligation of a responsible major country.
In conclusion, it was hoped that the United Nations would continue to strengthen its cooperation and establish more robust mechanisms to ensure its financial stability and operational efficiency in order to better respond to global problems and challenges. A more peaceful, stable and prosperous world can be achieved only by working together.