Kristine Lee is an associate fellow in the Asia-Pacific Program at the Center for a New American Security.
It might be easy to dismiss this move as trademark Trumpian blame deflection or saber-rattling or shortsighted isolationism. But for people who’ve been watching China’s growing activism in the United Nations closely, the WHO’s deference to China is no surprise. In fact, it’s just the exposed tip of a dangerous iceberg — and Trump is careening straight toward it.
In this context, Trump’s decision to defund WHO isn’t just petty or reactive—it literally plays into China’s hands. If the U.S. downgrades its participation in the WHO and other U.N. organizations, it will cede even more ground, and influence, to the Chinese—which is what they want. China’s gambit to leverage Covid-19 to consolidate its international standing need not go unchallenged. Indeed, as the pandemic lays waste to all assumptions of how the U.N. should work, there might not be a better window of opportunity for Washington to double down on its commitment to a brand of global leadership that is committed to transparency, freedom and the protection of universal human rights.
But this could be what he secretly wants because, for him, class trumps nation.
Why is our Congress allowing a man that is emotionally and mentally a 9 yr. old to run our country. Realize folks that we are past the point of no return. The United States will never be the same. Putin, Jumping & bin Salmon are loving this.
Trolls and bots seeking to divide.
Nonsense. They are already controlling these organizations but now let them do it without our money.
The states is no longer a super power, all because of the president.
JUST ANOTHER CHILDISH ACT BY OUR BABY TRUMP! VOTE BLUE ALL THE WAY!
FuhqWHO what the Hell are we paying for? “Travel bans are Ineffective and Racist”, “It can’t be transmitted Person to Person” well you missed that one, by a mile. They could have just waited until they had info. Instead of Chinese Propaganda
It didn’t take Trump to defund W.H.O that allowed the UN to give China a seat on the HumN Rights Council. If the UN is going to give in to China, than they can allow Chiba to pay their fair share. W.H.O. Has been pandering to the communist Chinese government.
They already dance to China’s tune, this would just formalize what’s already happened.
Opinions ... hahaha
But he can’t. Not his decision to make.
The WHO is garbage. Let China have it.
And as Trump isolates America more and more, the world will look elsewhere for goods and leadership... What a deal..
So you are implying China somehow bewitched trump to make this move, give it a rest to the scapegoat will you?
Good try but NO. He made the correct decision. They are a corrupt organization which is why you like them. Shame on you for being on the wrong side of history
China has bigger problems than that. China going to have a world of shit problem for covering this pandemic up. Trump is right to stop paying into Who. They seem to be knee deep in scandal.
The downfall of America, by the hand of their president. What even more pathetic, is his supporters thinks he's winning.
Trump is an imbecile who can’t think further than the end of the day. Well done America.
So China wants more influence in a toothless tiger. Go for it!
The WHO wants to pool intellectual property for coronavirus vaccines and tests. Of course Trump is against that... It puts people over corporate profits.
Not true. Who would fill the budget gap then?
Does anyone have thoughts on why Hong Kong tried to ban face masks in the beginning of last October?
If this were a chess game the US is in check.
When you withdraw from the world stage, someone will always fill the void! Leading from behind.lemmings
no. it really doesn't. but let them have the who. the fact is that china committed an act of war against ALL other nations. just wait till you FakeNewsMedia actually get a clue and figure that out
You guys came out with this story at the wrong time - after all is said and done they may actually be kicked out the UN. CNN just confirmed the original Fox News story. The virus was accidentally leaked form a lab and the Chinese tried covering it up
Bush Snr did same thing to UN in his time...Germany, Japan, EU and Bill Gates took over...NatureAbhorsVacuum OneMansPoisonIsAnotherOnesMeat ManyMoreFishInTheSea
Then the U.S should not be permitted to any future data. Including a possible vaccine. All countries should ensure that. It's called World Health Organisation for a reason.
The very same argument was made against fighting terrorism: 'It will play into the terrorists' hands; it will recruit more terrorists.'
Another left leaning media outlet carrying water for communists. You folks are so transparent. Luckily your leftist followers are too ignorant to see that
More evidence that we are no longer the world power to allies....leaving a void that only China can fill - this is Trump’s legacy....
You mean away from it, politico. Away from it.
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