Beijing: China said on Monday that it supports the World Health Organization (WHO) following the US' withdrawal from the body, and warned against politicizing COVID-19 to 'shift blame' onto Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed a news conference in Beijing, emphasizing WHO's role as the authoritative international agency on global public health. Guo noted WHO's regret over the U.S.'s notification of withdrawal, which formally concluded on January 22, ending nearly 78 years of US membership in the organization.

China's support for WHO was reiterated by Guo, who highlighted China's efforts in fulfilling public health duties, enhancing international cooperation, and promoting global health governance. The US Department of Health and Human Services had issued a statement on January 22, attributing the withdrawal to the WHO's alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accusing China of withholding crucial data during the outbreak's early stages.

In response, Guo defended China's actions, stating that the country has prioritized public health and collaborated internationally in combating the pandemic. He asserted that China's COVID-19 response has been transparent and recognized by the global community. Guo firmly opposed the politicization of the virus and warned that efforts to use COVID-19 for political gain would not succeed.

US President Donald Trump was a vocal critic of WHO, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, accusing the organization of bias towards China and mishandling the pandemic. Trump's decision to withdraw the US from WHO in 2025 marked the end of nearly eight decades of American involvement and financial support for the organization.