US to Rejoin UNESCO and Pay Dues to Counter Chinese Influence.

The United States plans to rejoin UNESCO and pay over $600 million in back dues after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organization's move to include Palestine as a member. The decision to return was motivated by concern that China is filling the gap left by the US 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.