In an effort to help the long-term fight against COVID-19, China on Monday pledged $2 billion in funding for the World Health Organization over the next two years. The funds are intended to help treatment and response efforts in developing nations.

“We have shared control and treatment experience with the world without reservation,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a speech at the 73rd World Health Assembly. “We have done everything in our power to support and assist countries in need.”

This pledge comes as international scrutiny against has begun to intensify. Prior to the assembly, a total of 116 nations, led by the European Union and Australia, supported a resolution that calls for an independent review of the WHO’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The evaluation will reportedly look into the “experience gained and lessons learned” and the resolution called for it to be initiated as soon as possible. In his speech, Xi supported the notion of a thorough review of the organization’s response, while not specifically referencing the EU-led resolution.

“China supports the idea of a comprehensive review of the global response to Covid-19 after it is brought under control, to sum up our experience and address deficiencies,” the leader said. “This work should be led by science and professionalism, led by the WHO and conducted in an objective and impartial manner.”

China has opposed calls from abroad to investigate the origin of the virus, which has recently become more widespread. In his speech, Xi insisted that his country had been as open as possible in working with the WHO in fighting the novel coronavirus.

China would make any coronavirus vaccine it developed a 'global public good' once it was put into use, President Xi Jinping told the World Health Assembly
China would make any coronavirus vaccine it developed a 'global public good' once it was put into use, President Xi Jinping told the World Health Assembly WHO /
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