Washington, DC – On Friday, President Trump announced several measures that will undoubtedly anger China. There are two specific parts of the announcement, but both relate to the communist country. First, Trump announced that the United States would no longer be part of the World Health Organization. Second, Trump announced that the United States would no longer treat Hong Kong as independent from China.
Trump had made the statements about the WHO, previously announcing his intent to withdraw from the organization. Trump made a list of demands to the WHO for the US to continue being involved, but those demands were rejected by the leaders of the organization. The US is by far the biggest contributor to the WHO.
The United States contributes $450 million annually to the WHO. China only contributes around $40 million. Trump said that the money would be used to fund other global and public health needs. Now, the most significant contributor to the WHO would be the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Many have argued that the move to withdraw from the WHO is wrong. The step is more aimed at China than anything. Trump specifically called out China in his comments on the WHO and how they were both are primarily responsible for the coronavirus pandemic.
In his comments, President Trump also announced that the United States would also not give preferential treatment to Hong Kong as independent from China. This comes after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo certified to Congress that Hong Kong was no longer separate from the communist country.
This will eliminate trade perks, export controls, and other unique benefits that are currently enjoyed by Hong Kong. The move is sure to anger China, and retaliation against the move can be expected.
In his comments, Trump made the following statements.
“The Chinese government has continually violated its promises to us and so many other nations…the world is now suffering as a result of the malfeasance of the Chinese government”
According to the reports from USA Today, the United States is not alone in its reaction towards China. The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have all spoke out against the Chinese government and China’s recent actions in Hong Kong.
While the move may be a difficult one, it is the correct move. China has long been taking advantage of the relationship of Hong Kong with the United States. They have also taken advantage of the WHO.
Now, China will have choices to make. Do they risk losing the financial hub in Hong Kong due to their actions? What type of actions will the country take to respond? The communist regime is sure to answer the US actions quickly.
Just the threat of the actions by the Trump administration has already caused issues for China. The yuan continues to fall in value and is leading China to attempt to inflate its currency value.
Stay tuned to The Liberty Loft as we continue to monitor the situation.
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