This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 18, 2020, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the World Health Organization (WHO), threatening to permanently freeze funding if it fails to improve its ties with China within 30 days.
Trump's ultimatum comes after he suspended US contributions to the WHO last month, accusing it of promoting China's 'disinformation' about the coronavirus outbreak. WHO officials have denied the accusation, while China has maintained that it is transparent and open.
According to a letter posted on Twitter, Trump told WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that he would reconsider US membership in the organization if the WHO fails to demonstrate independence from China.
Trump's administration has already begun reform discussions with Tedros, and the WHO has announced plans to conduct an independent review of its global virus response.
China has pledged its support to the WHO, offering a significant amount of funding and backing the organization's efforts to combat the pandemic.
