Will China Support the WHO After the Withdrawal of the U.S?

Will China Support the WHO After the Withdrawal of the U.S?

China has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the World Health Organization (WHO) following the United States’ latest withdrawal announcement.

The decision by President Donald Trump, citing mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over financial contributions, has reignited debates about global health governance and international cooperation. As the U.S. steps back from its leadership role, China appears poised to fill the void, reshaping the landscape of global health initiatives.

China’s Pledge to Strengthen the WHO

Responding to the U.S. withdrawal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s commitment to the WHO. “The role of the WHO should be strengthened, not weakened,” Guo emphasized, adding that China would continue to support the organization in fulfilling its mandate. He described the WHO as a cornerstone of global health governance and underscored the importance of building a “shared community of health for humanity.”

Photo: WHO

China’s stance comes as international relations remain tense, positioning Beijing as a key advocate for multilateralism in health governance. This approach is consistent with China’s broader ambitions to play a leading role on the global stage, especially as the WHO navigates a critical period of transition and uncertainty.

The Context Behind the U.S. Withdrawal

The United States has historically been the largest financial contributor to the WHO, providing approximately 18% of its total budget. However, the Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the organization, alleging it mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and claiming it is disproportionately influenced by China. In a January 2025 executive order, President Trump cited these concerns as justification for the withdrawal.

The move has drawn criticism from public health experts and international leaders, who warn of its potential to undermine global health initiatives. The WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed regret over the decision, highlighting its likely impact on funding and operational capacities.

China’s Growing Role in the WHO

With the U.S. stepping back, China’s influence within the WHO is expected to grow. Beijing has already increased its financial contributions to the organization, becoming one of its largest funders. Between 2014 and 2019, China’s assessed contributions rose by 52%, reaching approximately $86 million. While this figure still lags behind U.S. contributions, China’s willingness to step up signals its commitment to global health governance.

China’s influence is also evident in its strategic partnerships and health diplomacy efforts. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its “Health Silk Road” component have facilitated investments in health infrastructure across developing countries. These initiatives align with the WHO’s goals of improving healthcare access and strengthening health systems worldwide.

Key Areas of Impact on Global Health Initiatives

China’s support for the WHO is likely to shape global health initiatives in several significant ways:

1. Strengthening Global Health Governance

By reaffirming its commitment to the WHO, China enhances the organization’s capacity to lead international health responses. This support is crucial as the WHO grapples with challenges ranging from pandemic preparedness to equitable vaccine distribution. Beijing’s advocacy for a robust WHO underscores its broader strategy to assert influence within multilateral institutions.

2. Investing in Health Infrastructure

China’s investments in health infrastructure through the BRI have improved access to medical care in many developing countries. From building hospitals to providing medical equipment, these efforts align with the WHO’s mission of achieving universal health coverage. Additionally, China’s experience in managing large-scale public health initiatives, such as its “Healthy China 2030” plan, offers valuable insights for global health programs.

3. Promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Domestically, China has made significant strides in expanding healthcare access and reducing health disparities. These achievements provide a model for other nations working toward UHC, a central goal of the WHO’s agenda. By sharing its experiences and resources, China can help accelerate progress toward this objective on a global scale.

4. Providing Financial Contributions

China’s increased financial contributions to the WHO strengthen the organization’s ability to address pressing health challenges. This financial support not only fills gaps left by the U.S. withdrawal but also reinforces China’s commitment to multilateralism. Experts suggest that such backing could enable the WHO to expand its programs and respond more effectively to crises.

5. Collaboration on Health Security

China’s collaboration with the WHO on public health emergencies has become increasingly significant. From sharing data during outbreaks to developing vaccines and treatment protocols, Beijing’s contributions are critical for global health security. Strengthening this partnership could improve preparedness for future pandemics and bolster the resilience of health systems worldwide.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its growing role, China’s involvement in the WHO is not without controversy. Critics argue that Beijing’s influence may compromise the organization’s independence. For example, China’s efforts to exclude Taiwan from the WHO have sparked concerns about the politicization of global health governance. Taiwan’s exclusion has raised questions about the completeness of global health data and the inclusivity of international health responses.

Additionally, some countries remain wary of China’s motives, viewing its investments in health infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to expand geopolitical influence. Ensuring transparency and accountability in these initiatives will be essential to maintaining trust and fostering collaboration.

The WHO’s Response to U.S. Withdrawal

The WHO has expressed deep concern over the U.S. withdrawal,  explaining the critical role of American contributions in addressing global health challenges. Dr. Tedros has called for constructive dialogue with Washington, shows the importance of U.S. participation in strengthening global health security.

In the absence of U.S. leadership, the WHO faces financial and operational challenges. Budget constraints may necessitate cutbacks in key programs, potentially affecting the organization’s ability to respond to emergencies and implement long-term initiatives. However, increased support from China and other nations could help mitigate these impacts, ensuring the WHO remains a vital force in global health governance.

Implications for Global Health

The shifting dynamics within the WHO have far-reaching implications for global health initiatives:

• Funding Gaps: The U.S. withdrawal leaves a significant funding gap that other countries, including China, will need to fill. Sustained financial support is crucial for maintaining the WHO’s capacity to address health crises.
• Leadership Void: The absence of U.S. leadership creates an opportunity for China to shape global health policies. While this shift could enhance multilateral cooperation, it also raises concerns about the potential for unbalanced influence.
• Collaboration Challenges: Ensuring effective collaboration among member states will be essential for the WHO’s success. Balancing the interests of major powers like China and addressing concerns about inclusivity will require careful diplomacy.

China’s support for the WHO in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal underscores its commitment to global health governance. By strengthening its financial contributions, investing in health infrastructure, and promoting universal health coverage, China positions itself as a key player in international health policy.

However, Beijing’s growing influence also highlights the complexities of global health diplomacy. Ensuring the WHO’s independence and fostering inclusive collaboration will be critical to addressing the challenges ahead. As the world grapples with ongoing health crises and prepares for future threats, the role of nations like China in supporting the WHO will be pivotal in shaping a healthier and more resilient global community.

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