China Responds to US Withdrawal from Climate and Health Agreements

On Tuesday, the spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, addressed questions regarding the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization. In light of the recent announcement, Guo articulated China's concern, highlighting that climate change poses a universal challenge that affects all nations. He emphasized that no country can isolate itself from its repercussions and affirmed China's commitment to collaborate with other nations in fostering a shared future and promoting efforts to combat climate change through a global transition towards greener, low-carbon practices.

When discussing the US exit from the WHO, Guo pointed out the critical and coordinating role the organization plays in global health affairs. He argued that the function of the WHO should be enhanced rather than diminished, affirming that China will continue to back the organization in its mission and work towards improved international health collaboration and governance. This includes efforts to establish a community united for public health globally.

Moreover, in response to inquiries about President Trump's remark regarding China "operating" the Panama Canal and the potential for the US to reclaim it, Guo reiterated that China’s position on the canal is stable and unequivocal, stating that he had no further details to provide on the matter.