US to Reduce WHO Contributions to One-Tenth (Summary)

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The World Health Assembly (WHA), held via video conference, became a stage to reaffirm the conflict between the United States and China. In particular, U.S. President Donald Trump harshly criticized the World Health Organization (WHO) as "China's puppet" and warned that the U.S. would reduce its WHO contribution to $40 million, one-tenth of the current level.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the first day of the WHA, the 18th (local time), President Trump met with reporters at the White House and, when asked why he did not speak at the WHA, said, "I will soon make a statement, but I chose not to do so on that day."

The term "puppet" is a strong expression, indicating that the level of the U.S. president's offensive has intensified. Regarding this, he said, "The U.S. gives $450 million a year to the WHO, while China gives $38 million a year. We have been paying $450 million for years but have not been properly treated," and criticized, "They (WHO) are, to put it mildly, China-centric and China's puppets." He added, "I was thinking about reducing our $450 million to $40 million. We will make a decision soon."

At this WHA, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar delivered the speech. Compared to major world leaders such as President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron giving keynote speeches, this was not on the same level. The U.S. had previously declined to participate in the COVID-19 Global Response International Pledge video conference for COVID-19 vaccine development funds, citing China's participation as the reason.

President Trump also attacked China along with the WHO. When asked if China should be held responsible, he replied, "China must be held accountable for what they have done. They have severely harmed the entire world and themselves. They must take responsibility." Although he initially expressed that President Xi Jinping was responding well during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, he has recently repeatedly emphasized China's responsibility.

At this event, President Trump mentioned the World Trade Organization (WTO) and expressed dissatisfaction that China received special treatment. He said, "We are not treated well at the WTO either. China is treated as a developing country at the WTO, and developing countries receive huge benefits such as tax breaks." He added, "I wish the U.S. were considered a developing country at the WTO."

President Xi emphasized in his video speech at the assembly that the COVID-19 investigation should be led by the WHO. This was a subtle way of expressing that he would not allow a U.S.-led investigation. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also stated, "We will initiate an independent evaluation at the most appropriate time."

The New York Times expressed concern, stating, "The WHA tried to find a way to fight COVID-19, but the result only amplified the conflict between the U.S. and China."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.