China has committed another $500 million in financing to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, as the agency wrestles with filling a predicted looming budget deficit triggered by the United States lower contribution.
The statement came from China’s Vice Premier Liu Guozhong while addressing a speech at the World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday. Liu spoke of the worldwide health concerns resulting from “unilateralism and power politics” and averred that multilateralism was most important to cross over such a situation.
“The world is now confronted with the effects of unilateralism and power politics posing serious challenges to global health security. Multilateralism is a guaranteed pass to overcoming challenges,” Liu informed global delegates.
The WHO has previously been compelled to reduce its 2026–2027 budget by 21% to $4.2 billion, mostly because of the withdrawal of major funding from the United States. The cut follows cuts in funding under the previous US President Donald Trump administration.
To balance the deficit, the WHO’s proposed new budget due to be voted on by the World Health Assembly on Tuesday sets out a 20% hike in compulsory membership dues from member countries in the next two years. Under this change, China would become the biggest state contributor to the organization.
It is not yet clear if the just-announced $500 million Beijing commitment includes the increase in required fees or will be added on top of it.
The WHO has come under increasing financial strain over the past few years, with the leaders calling for more and more predictable funding sources to support global health programs, especially in anticipation of new health challenges and recurring humanitarian emergencies. China’s commitment is regarded as both symbolic and pragmatic to support the WHO’s work and international stature.
