China is announcing its pledge of spending $2 billion to help combat the coronavirus.
On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech to the World Health Assembly. Xi expressed unwavering support for the WHO and its pandemic efforts despite President Donald Trump’s decision to defund the agency.
Despite the accusations suggesting China has withheld information about the virus, Xi suggests otherwise, arguing that China has disclosed all necessary information “without reservation.”
“We have shared control and treatment experience with the world without reservation,” Xi said. “We have done everything in our power to support and assist countries in need.”
See a translated clip of Xi’s speech below:
The $2 billion contribution will be pledged over the course of the next two years.
Xi also noted his support of developing a comprehensive review of the global response to the pandemic saying, “This work should be based on science and professionalism, led by WHO and conducted in objective and impartial manner,” he said.
His speech comes amid heightened criticism over the coronavirus outbreak. On many occasions, Trump has blamed China for the spread of the virus.
On Wednesday, Trump even mulled over the idea of severing ties with China completely.
During an interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, Trump voiced his disapproval of China’s handling of the coronavirus and admitted he currently has no desire to speak with Jinping, as previously reported on IJR.
Check out Trump’s interview below:
The president also made it clear that he has no intent on renegotiating the United States’ trade deal with China.
As of Monday morning, there are more than 4.8 million coronavirus cases worldwide, including more than 1.5 million positive cases in the United States. The death toll in America has now surpassed 90,000.
