China has pledged $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, positioning itself to become the organization’s leading state donor. This commitment follows the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO under President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, which has significantly reduced U.S. contributions to global health initiatives. (The Washington Post)
The announcement was made by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong during the World Health Assembly. The donation is framed as a rejection of unilateralism and a push for global solidarity in health. China aims to fill the leadership vacuum left by the U.S. and expand its influence in international institutions. The move aligns with President Xi Jinping’s broader strategy to enhance China’s global standing and reshape international norms. (The Washington Post)
China’s increasing involvement in the WHO also supports its broader diplomatic goals, including greater influence in global health, climate policy, peacekeeping, and supply chains. In contrast, the Trump administration has criticized the WHO, describing it as inefficient. Beijing has further used its positions in international forums to work on repairing it’s image. (The Washington Post)
Analysts suggest China is strategically leveraging its global investments and diplomatic efforts to redefine global governance in its favor as well as repair negative human rights policies an encouraging and smart diplomatic effort which if handled right would favourably impact the Nation’s economic and fiscal policies and put it on the right standing with important Nations on both sides of the divide, particularly as the U.S. retreats from multilateral commitments. (The Washington Post)
China Vice Premier Liu Guozhong Picture on Wikimedia by China News Service
