BEIJING: China announced on Thursday (Apr 23) it will give another US$30 million to the World Health Organization to help in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic, days after Washington said it would freeze funding.
The US, which is the WHO’s biggest contributor, accused the organisation last week of “mismanaging” the COVID-19 crisis, drawing ire from Beijing as both countries spar over the deadly virus.
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the new donation would be in addition to a previous US$20 million committed, and would help “strengthen developing countries’ health systems”.
He added that China’s contribution to the UN agency “reflects the support and trust of the Chinese government and people for the WHO”.
In announcing the funding freeze last week, US President Donald Trump accused the WHO of covering up the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak in China before it spread.
He has also charged the WHO with being “very China-centric” despite Washington’s heavy funding.
www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/coronavirus-covid-19-china-who-us-freeze-funding-12670368