GENEVA – China has pledged an additional US$500 million (S$648 million) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) over the next five years, as the United Nations health agency faces mounting financial pressure following the anticipated withdrawal of its top donor, the United States. The announcement was made on May 20 by China’s Vice-Premier of the State Council, Liu Guozhong, during an address at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
In his remarks, Liu criticised the impact of unilateralism and global power politics, which he said were creating serious challenges for international health cooperation. “The world is now facing the impacts of unilateralism and power politics bringing major challenges to global health security… Multilateralism is a sure pass to addressing difficulties,” he said.
The WHO has already adjusted its financial plans in response to reduced funding. Its 2026–2027 budget has been revised downward by 21 per cent to US$4.2 billion, largely due to decisions made by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The upcoming budget, set to be adopted at the assembly, includes a 20 per cent increase in mandatory contributions from member states over the next two years, a move that will elevate China to the position of top state donor.
It remains unclear whether the new US$500 million commitment from China includes this scheduled increase in mandatory fees or is a separate voluntary contribution. The announcement underscores China’s growing financial influence within the WHO and highlights the shifting dynamics of global health governance as the agency works to secure stable and diversified funding sources.