US rejoins UNESCO to counter China's influence.

The US plans to rejoin Unesco and pay over $600m in back dues after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organisation's move to include Palestine as a member. US officials say the decision to return was motivated by concern that China is filling the gap left by Washington in Unesco policymaking, notably in setting standards for artificial intelligence and technology education around the world. The return of the US, once the agency's biggest funder, is expected to face a vote by its 193 member states next month.