The United Nations Security Council is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security; accepting new Member States, and approving any changes to the United Nations Charter. Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through resolutions. It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to Member States. The body's five permanent members are China, France, Russia, UK and USA. The Security Council also has 10 non-permanent members, elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms.