GENEVA, May 21 (WSH) — China has pledged an additional $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, stepping in as the organization’s largest contributor following the official withdrawal of the United States. The announcement was made by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong during the ongoing 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The WHO, already grappling with a 21% budget cut for 2026–2027, has been seeking new funding sources to fill the gap left by the United States, which had previously contributed around $700 million for the 2024–2025 period.
A New Financial Landscape for Global Health Governance
Liu Guozhong criticized unilateralism and “power politics” for undermining global health cooperation and stressed China’s commitment to multilateralism and the WHO’s independent and science-driven mission.
“China will firmly support the WHO in playing a leading and coordinating role in global health governance,” Liu stated, during his bilateral meeting with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The WHO confirmed receipt of China’s commitment, noting it would help stabilize the organization’s core operations and pandemic preparedness programs. Whether the $500 million includes China’s increased assessed contributions remains unclear.
In addition to China, Qatar and Switzerland jointly pledged over $170 million, and member states have agreed to increase their assessed contributions by 20% over the next two years.
WHO: A Pillar of Global Public Health
Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization is the United Nations’ leading specialized agency for public health. Headquartered in Geneva, it is responsible for setting global health standards, coordinating pandemic responses, and providing technical support to member states.
The WHO’s annual World Health Assembly (WHA) is its highest decision-making body, convening health ministers and delegates from 194 member states to shape global health policy.
U.S. Withdrawal: A Repeated Retreat
The United States’ relationship with WHO has been volatile. In 2020, President Donald Trump initiated the first withdrawal, citing dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of COVID-19 and its alleged bias toward China. President Joe Biden rejoined the WHO in 2021, restoring funding and international participation.
However, following Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, the U.S. once again began the process of leaving the organization. No American delegation attended the current World Health Assembly, and the U.S. is no longer participating in negotiations for global pandemic response agreements.
Global Response and Outlook
Observers say China’s high-profile presence and financial commitment mark a shift in global health leadership. Liu’s participation as a Chinese Communist Party Politburo member at the WHA is seen as an uncommon but deliberate diplomatic gesture.
Still, experts caution that rising geopolitical tensions must not compromise the WHO’s neutrality and effectiveness. As the world faces increasing health threats, robust, cooperative, and science-based international collaboration remains more critical than ever.
