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NEW YORK – President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on world leaders at the United Nations to “hold China accountable” for the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump, a frequent critic of the UN, criticized the Chinese government and the World Health Organization for the deadly virus and the social and economic consequences of the health crisis.
“The Chinese government and the World Health Organization, which is virtually controlled by China, falsely stated that there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Later, they falsely said that people without symptoms would not spread the disease,” Trump said. in a recorded White House speech. WHO is an agency of the United Nations.
“The United Nations must hold China accountable for its actions,” he added. The virus originated in China.
Trump also said the United States had three potential coronavirus vaccines that were in the final stages of clinical trials and promised to distribute them globally. The Trump administration has previously said that it will not participate in the WHO-led coronavirus vaccination effort.
The Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility initiative, or COVAX, includes more than 170 countries and aims to “work with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries around the world with equitable access to safe and effective vaccines.” The move coincides with Trump’s goal of removing the United States from the World Health Organization.
Earlier this year, Trump said he had suspended US funding to the organization pending a review, citing what he called “the role of the World Health Organization in seriously managing and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.” .
In July, the Trump administration presented to the UN Secretary General its notice to withdraw from the World Health Organization by July 6, 2021. The notice to the United Nations was the first step in a year-long process that will depend on of various factors outside of Trump’s control, including the cooperation of Congress and the president’s own reelection in November, none of which is assured.
Last month, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he hopes the United States will reconsider its decision to leave the United Nations health organization, adding that the coronavirus cannot be defeated “in a divided world.” . Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has previously said he would have the United States rejoin the WHO on the first day of his presidency, if he defeats Trump in November.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also addressed the UN remotely, said Beijing “will continue to narrow differences and resolve disputes with others through dialogue and negotiation.”
“In the face of the virus, we must strengthen solidarity and overcome this together,” Xi said, adding that world leaders must follow “the leading role of the World Health Organization.”
“Any attempt to politicize the issue or stigmatize it must be rejected,” Xi said.
The latest revelations come as Washington pressures the UN Security Council to enforce sanctions imposed on Iran.
On Saturday, the United States unilaterally reimposed UN sanctions on Tehran through a rollback process, which other members of the UN Security Council have previously said Washington does not have the authority to execute.
“No matter who you are, if you violate the UN arms embargo on Iran, you run the risk of sanctions,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday along with Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Treasury Secretary Steven. Mnuchin.
“Our actions today are a warning that should be heard around the world,” said Trump’s top diplomat.
