China pledges additional $30 million to the World Health Organisation

China will be donating $30 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday, in a bid to support coronavirus prevention efforts and health systems in developing countries.

The contribution will be on top of $20 million donated by China in March, the ministry added.

“Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, WHO, under the leadership of Director General Ghebreyesus, has actively fulfilled its responsibilities and upholds an objective, fair, and scientific standpoint,” said ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang in a daily briefing.

“It has played an important role in assisting countries to cope with the epidemic and promote international cooperation in the fight against epidemics.”

China’s donation to the WHO reflects the support and trust of the Chinese government and people in the Organisation, Shuang added.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to halt funding to the Organisation.

The United States is the largest contributor to the WHO and sent more than $57.8 million earlier this year.