Trump threatens to withdraw confession and withdraw from WHO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds
On May 19, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian held a regular press conference.
A reporter questioned that US President Trump issued an open letter on Twitter on the 18th, threatening that if the WHO does not make "major substantive reforms" within 30 days and ceases to rely on China, the United States will permanently stop providing funds to the WHO And consider withdrawing from WHO. What is China's response?
In this regard, Zhao Lijian said that regarding the prevention and control of China's COVID-19 epidemic, we have repeatedly introduced the relevant situation to the outside world in a timeline manner. WHO also clarified some obvious factual errors in the US accusations. The above-mentioned open letter of the US leader is full of hints, possible, and possible expressions. It is futile to try to mislead the public in this plausible way to slander China's prevention and control efforts and shirk the US's own weak prevention and control.
At present, the COVID-19 epidemic is still spreading in the United States and many parts of the world. The top priority is to unite and cooperate, save lives, and restore the economy. We urge a small number of US politicians to stop dumping their blame, strengthen cooperation with the international community, and jointly overcome the epidemic.
I would also like to add a few facts here: The proportion and standard of WHO Member States ’payment of contributions are jointly determined by Member States, and it is not the US family who can make the final decision. Paying membership dues in full and on time is the obligation of the United States as a member of the WHO, not bargaining. The arbitrary actions of the United States to cut off supply and reduce capital to international organizations are unilateralist and violate its own international obligations.
International anti-epidemic disease is at a critical stage. To support WHO is to defend the concepts and principles of multilateralism. To support WHO is to support international anti-epidemic cooperation and save lives. China has always strictly abided by the provisions of the WHO Constitution, paid its dues in full and on time, and made donations to WHO within its capacity. Since the outbreak of the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, China has successively provided a donation of 50 million US dollars to WHO, set up a special fund for anti-epidemic cooperation of RMB 2 billion, and sent 24 anti-epidemic medical expert groups to WHO and other countries. Provide a lot of material assistance.
President Xi Jinping solemnly promised at the World Health Assembly that China will provide US $ 2 billion in international assistance within two years to support the countries affected by the epidemic, especially the developing countries ’fight against the epidemic and the recovery of the economy and society.
After the research and development of China COVID-19 vaccine is completed and put into use, it will be used as a global public product to make China's contribution to the availability and affordability of vaccines in developing countries. China will, as always, support WHO ’s leadership in international epidemic prevention cooperation and will continue to support WHO ’s work in various ways.
China calls on the international community to increase its political support and financial input to WHO, mobilize global resources, and win the epidemic. The United States takes China as an example and shirks its responsibilities and bargains when it comes to fulfilling its international obligations to WHO.