U.S. to Rejoin UNESCO With $600 Million Payment to Counter China

The United States plans to rejoin UNESCO and pay over $600 million in back dues after withdrawing in 2017.
The decision was motivated by concerns China is gaining influence in UNESCO policymaking and setting global standards in areas like AI and education.
The U.S. return will face a vote by UNESCO's 193 member states and provide a major financial boost to the organization which designates World Heritage sites and promotes education and human rights.
The U.S. will pay its 2023 dues plus $10 million in additional contributions for causes like Holocaust education and cultural heritage preservation in Ukraine.
UNESCO and the U.S. have had a turbulent relationship over the past four decades with the U.S. withdrawing twice before over issues like Palestinian membership and perceived anti-Israel bias.