America, the leader of the free world, is hell once again on removing its global leadership responsibilities. Donald Trump is back, and so his signature is a step of foreign policy – closing America from some major global organizations. During his first term, he decided that the World Health Organization (WHO) is no longer worth American funding. The reason for this is the same as before: The WHO did not do the right task during the Kovid -19 epidemic and it is more favorable to China.
The US contribution to WHO in 2024 was $ 950 million. This was about 15% of the organization’s budget, which makes the largest single donor of 194 member countries. Therefore, when Trump draws out, it is not just a dental – it is a pit in the organization’s budget.
WHO is funded through two primary sources: assessed contribution, compulsory dues paid by 194 member countries, calculated on factors such as a country’s funds and population, and voluntary contribution, which, Members come from states, private individuals, philanthropic organizations and others. An important part of the WHO budget depends on the voluntary contribution, mainly the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which provides sufficient funds to support various global health initiatives. In fact, the Gates Foundation has promised to continue to contribute to global health reasons.
One billion dollar challenge for Trump
WHO, worried but not surprised as last time, has politely asked Trump to reconsider his decision. It says that it plays an important role in protecting the health and safety of the people of the world, including Americans, addressing the root causes of the disease, building strong health systems, and detecting health emergency conditions, stopping and responding , Often, including the outbreaks of the disease, often in dangerous places where others cannot go ”.
There has been a global backlash for the American step. But it should be kept to shame a country: A member of WHO employees has launched a campaign to raise $ 1 billion through crowdfunding – the contribution that America contributed in 2024 is enough to cover . The world is paying from $ 1 to $ 4,000 per person per person. This is a great gesture, a demonstration of disregard against Trump, but let’s be honest. It is like climbing Mount Everest. Symbolism, however, is powerful. The message to Trump is clear.
The WHO is not a stranger for both applause and resentment. It vaccinated more than 90% of children in Gaza against polio – in fact, given that it fulfills the achievement during the ongoing war in Gaza. It fought the Ebola virus in the struggle areas, where the armies were also feared to run. It has led the global vaccination drive that has saved the lives of millions of people. But it is also part of its shortcomings and failures: it botted the initial Covid -19 response, when the virus hesitates to exclude China when the first spread, it has been accused of delay in bureaucracy which is a major health crises. During the time it is alive, and although it is launching internal reforms since the end of the epidemic, they are not enough.
Ironically, to cripple Trump’s executive order, which can prove to be a counter -protest to carry forward its reason for the economically “America first” agenda. By moving away from global commitments, Trump can win cheers from his Maga base, but he does not feel that when the next global health crisis is a hit, his country can find himself very lonely. And for a country that was once the leader of an independent world, it is quite a decline.
In addition, it should be more worrying for the US, it is likely that Trump’s action may open space for China to open space. The last time Trump pulled the stunt, China participated, promised to increase its voluntary contribution for WHO. This time, Beijing is still weighing its options.
A growing China
Under Trump’s “US First” policy, WHO and other global agreements and America are going to create a power vacuum, which China has to move forward to fill up quickly. If this trend continues, Beijing will feel that it will gain the ability to reopen international norms, establishing rules that favor its economic, political and ideological interests.
There is evidence to return it. But first see which treaties and organization Trump was out during his first term, due to which the US retreated from global leadership:
- World Health Organization (2020): America left it among Covid-19 epidemic, alleging that it is also China-centered
- Paris Climate Accord (2017): The US claimed that it allowed the US to be incorrectly burdened by allowing China to pollute.
- Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) (2018): America’s exit led Iran’s renewed nuclear activity and increased stress in West Asia.
- Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) (2017): The US canceled a major trade treaty designed to combat China’s dominance in Asia.
- UNESCO and United Nations Human Rights Council (2018): American return was due to claims of bias against the US and Israel
- Weapon Control Aids: America withdrew from INF Treaty with Russia, race for global weapons increased
- NATO and G7 threatened: Trump repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO, weakens confidence in alliance
Each of these exit did not necessarily weaken outfits, but they certainly caused large -scale uncertainties. Some people may argue that it reduced the US influence and allowed China to step into an attempt to fill the leadership vacuum.
Did China return from America?
When Trump cut funding in 2020, China moved steps, $ 50 million more to fill the difference. Although the increased amount was much below the US contribution, it allowed Beijing to increase its influence in the organization, block the investigation at Covid-19 original and promote its vaccines globally. When Trump was withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, China became climate leader in climate discussion. Despite being the world’s largest pollutant, Beijing now portrays itself as greenery compared to the US. Similarly, Trump unilaterally left the Iran nuclear deal, China strengthened relations with Tehran. It also increased oil imports from Iran and expanded economic relations, reducing US sanctions.
In addition, when Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), rather foolishly, China joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), now the world’s largest trade treaty is now-part of America is part of America Is. The result is that Asian countries now trade more with China than America.
China sets agenda
China achieved key leadership roles in United Nations agencies such as the International Telecommunications Association (ITU), which control internet standards. It uses these positions to push for global acceptance of Chinese technology models, such as monitoring-based governance.
Trump withdraws from global agreements and institutions in the name of “America First” campaign, as weak it creates its country, as someone else plays the role of its leadership. In this case, there will be no one other than China. By raising its contribution to a great extent, it will definitely determine the business investment policies in favor of global economic rules, state -owned enterprises and Chinese dominance. It can control global health regime by prioritizing Chinese interests, affecting epidemic response and vaccine policies. This will try to shape digital and internet rules by expanding China’s alleged powerful “cyber sovereignty” model, limiting online independence.
China will expand the military alliances by strengthening BRICS and China -led military partnership to combat US alliances. This will try to dominate climate policies by controlling carbon markets and green technologies, holding the West accountable for emissions.
China can be investigated
There is still time for influential countries such as India and European countries, to support WHO and prevent China from playing a major decision making role. Instead of allowing Beijing uncontrollably, member countries should collectively address the challenges of funding and governance. Medium -sized economies such as India and Brazil, with developed nations, such as UK, Germany and France, should increase their contribution to maintaining a balanced and effective WHO. The last success of the organization in the elimination of smallpox – one of the greatest achievements of humanity – believes that global health cooperation can overcome political division to save everyone.
For the US, I wonder whether Maga actually makes America strong, or it separates the country while China fills zero in global institutions? With each withdrawal – the climate agreement and beyond it – Trump’s retreats from the US, leaving a power vacuum that Beijing is eager to exploit. Are we moving towards “America First” or “America Alone”?
(Syed Zubair Ahmed is a London -based senior Indian journalist who has three decades experience with Western media)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
(Tagstotransite) China (T) United States (T) Donald Trump (T) WHO (T) World Health Organization
