Beijing will replace the United States as the organization’s top state donor, expanding its influence as the U.S. retreats from international cooperation.

THURSDAY, May 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — China has promised to give $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, positioning itself to become the group’s top donor. The pledge comes as the United States plans to leave the international organization, The Washington Post reported.

China will give the World Health Organization $500 million, but “in terms of the contribution, the WHO is a cheap date,” Brett Schaefer says.

Beijing is trying to portray itself as a global leader, capitalizing on Washington’s isolationist turn, analysts said.

Although the US has cut all ties with the WHO—and reportedly still owes the agency $260 million in 2024–2025 dues—US health secretary and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made an unexpected appearance at the WHA via a six-minute video.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlines reasons for U.S. withdrawal from WHO, highlighting failures in COVID-19 response and China's influence on the organization.

Justin Sun, the China-born founder of the Tron blockchain, participated in the dinner while he is fighting a market manipulation case in the US

China is giving European business leaders its warmest welcome in years, in an effort to strengthen ties as Beijing seeks to counter Donald Trump’s tariff pressure and stabilize its slowing economy.

Taiwanese authorities have arrested two Chinese nationals who sailed over in a small boat and attempted to land on an island. It is the third incident this month in which Chinese nationals appear to have reached Taiwan by boat, stoking security concerns.

China will give an additional $500 million to the World Health Organization over five years, an official told the World Health Assembly on Tuesday, as the U.N. agency seeks extra funding to offset the expected loss of its top donor,