U.S. Rejoins UNESCO After Five Years; Votes To Return Amid Concerns Over China's Influence

The United States was voted back into UNESCO by a vote of 132 to 10, with some opponents including Russia, North Korea and Palestine.
The Biden administration applied for readmission over concerns that China was gaining more control over the organization's policies in the U.S. absence.
The U.S. will pay over $600 million in back dues and membership fees to officially rejoin UNESCO.
UNESCO members approved the U.S. bid to return to the organization after former President Trump withdrew the country in 2017.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken or a representative will accept the invitation for the U.S. to officially rejoin UNESCO.