China says 'seriously concerned' over US halting WHO funds amid COVID-19 crisis

China has said that it is “seriously concerned” over US President Donald Trump's recent anuncement of America ceasing funds of WHO amid a global health crisis. As coronavirus outbreak continues to tighten its grip around world with more than two million confirmed cases, Chinese official Zhao Lijian reportedly said at a press briefing that decision by Washington “will weaken WHO’s capacities”. He ded that by t funding World Health Organisation, US “will undermine international cooperation against epidemic”. 

US h previously threatened United Nations health ncy to stop funding and accused latter of being “China-centric”. However, Trump officially anunced on April 14 (local time) that country will halt funds to WHO and American authorities will review “mismanaging” of COVID-19 outbreak. While China urged US to fulfill its obligations especially during pandemic, Trump has said that “WHO failed in its basic duty and must be held accountable”.

According to international media reports, Trump claimed that US used to fund at least $400 - $500 million to World Health Organisation, every year, whereas China roughly funded $40 million. Moreover, US President also believes that outbreak would have been contained in early sts if WHO h urged China to be more transparent and sent medical experts to mainland for assessment of situation. 

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WHO chief h hoped orwise

Just a day before US declared freezing of its funds to WHO, WHO director-general ‘hoped’ that US would continue to contribute money. While answering a question by an American journalist on April 13, World Health Organisation chief, Tedros ham Ghebreyesus called Trump “supportive” and claimed to have a “very good” relationship that “will continue”. 

Meanwhile, after originating from China’s “wet markets”, coronavirus has w claimed over 126,776 lives worldwide as of April 15. According to tally by international news ncy, pandemic has w spre to 210 countries and has infected at least 2,000,734 people. Out of total infections, 484,831 have been recovered but easily spre virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries and ecomy is struggling. 

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(With ncy inputs)