The US decision to stop WHO funding will weaken the organization’s capabilities and undermine international cooperation, this will affect all countries, including the United States, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a briefing on Wednesday.
The US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington is stopping funding for WHO, which, he said, did not provide information about the coronavirus in a timely manner and did not bring the truth to the attention of the world community.
“China expresses serious concern about the US statement about the termination of financing of WHO. As the most authoritative and professional international organization in the field of public health security, WHO plays an irreplaceable role in resolving public health crises”, – the diplomat said.
In his view, after the outbreak of COVOD-19 under the leadership of Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, WHO had effectively fulfilled its obligations and played a central role in coordinating the actions of the international community, which was universally recognized.
“At the moment, the situation in the field of combating the epidemic is at a crucial stage, this decision by the United States will weaken WHO’s capabilities and undermine international cooperation, it will affect all countries, including the United States, but especially countries with poor health care systems”, – Zhao Lijian added .
He stressed that China calls on the United States to fulfill its commitment to support WHO in leading international efforts, and not vice versa.