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China on Wednesday defended the World Health Organization and lashed out at the US determination to withdraw from the UN physique.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated the move was “another demonstration of the US pursuing unilateralism, withdrawing from groups and breaking contracts.”
WHO is “the most authoritative and professional international institution in the field of global public health security,” Zhao stated at a day by day briefing.
The U.S. departure from the group “undermines the international anti-epidemic efforts, and in particular has a serious negative impact on developing countries in urgent need of international support,” Zhao stated.
The Trump administration formally notified the U.N. on Monday of its withdrawal from WHO, though the pullout will not take impact till subsequent yr. That means it may very well be reversed by a brand new administration or if circumstances change.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, stated he would reverse the choice on his first day in workplace if elected.
President Donald Trump has harshly criticized WHO over its response to the coronavirus pandemic and accused it of bowing to Chinese affect. Trump stated in a White House announcement that Chinese officers “ignored” their reporting obligations to WHO and pressured the group to mislead the general public about an outbreak that has now killed greater than 130,000 Americans.
The move was instantly assailed by well being officers and critics of the administration, together with quite a few Democrats who stated it could value the U.S. affect within the international area whereas undermining an necessary establishment that’s main vaccine improvement efforts and drug trials to handle the coronavirus.
The withdrawal discover was despatched to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday and can take impact in a yr, on July 6, 2021.
The U.S. is WHO’s largest donor and gives it with greater than $450 million per yr, however owes about $200 million in present and previous dues. Those monetary obligations have to be met earlier than a U.S. withdrawal will be finalized.
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