The United States has not settled its outstanding financial contributions to the United Nations (UN), said deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq on Wednesday, stressing the organization is striving to continue delivering services to all stakeholders.
He made the remarks in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's disappointment with the UN.
"I think that we've made clear that we are doing our utmost to improve how the UN works, so it works well for all stakeholders. The secretary general, as you know, has launched the UN80 Initiative, designed to increase the efficiency of the UN. Beyond that, what I can tell you is that the UN will continue to relentlessly work for peace, in full respect for international law and with a comprehensive effort to address the root causes of conflict to ensure sustainable solutions for peace," Haq said..
The United States remains in arrears on its UN dues, deputy spokesperson added.
US still in arrears on UN dues: spokesperson
Chinese authorities are set to open duty-free shops each at 41 listed ports of entry to the country, including airports, sea ports and land border crossings, aiming to facilitate tax-free shopping for inbound travelers.
Five government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, made the announcement on Wednesday. They defined port-of-entry duty-free shops as stores located within the restricted zones of airports, sea ports or land border crossings. Spread across the country, these stores will only offer duty-free goods to inbound international passengers.
Analysts say the move will boost consumption and promote the sustained growth of the duty-free retail sector.
Beyond China's natural scenery and cultural appeal, shopping in the country is becoming an increasingly integral part of international tourists' travel itineraries. China has also been expanding its visa-free entry policies and refining tax-refund-upon-departure services for international tourists in recent years.
China to opens 41 new entry-port duty-free shops
