Opposition Voices Even Within the Republican Party
Biden "Will Return Immediately If Elected"
$200 Million Payment Required... Withdrawal May Be Impossible Without Congressional Approval
[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Donald Trump administration in the United States has officially notified the United Nations (UN) of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Amid considerable backlash within the U.S., Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden stated that he would immediately rejoin the WHO if elected president.
On the 7th (local time), U.S. media, citing senior government officials, reported that the U.S. officially notified the UN of its withdrawal from the WHO. The U.S. government also reported the withdrawal notification to Congress. The announced withdrawal date is one year later, on July 6, 2021.
President Trump had threatened to withdraw from the WHO, citing its pro-China bias during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with no significant mention until recently, the final card was played, prompting opposition not only from the opposition party but also from the ruling Republican Party.
Republican Senator Lamar Alexander stated in a press release, "While it is necessary to closely examine WHO's mistakes related to COVID-19, the timing should be after the crisis ends, not in the middle of a pandemic." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also criticized on the same day, saying, "Withdrawing from the WHO while it is fighting COVID-19 is an unreasonable decision."
However, there is doubt whether the U.S. can withdraw from the WHO as President Trump hopes. The joint resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in 1948, approving the U.S. membership in the WHO, stipulates that withdrawal requires written notice one year in advance and payment of all outstanding debts to the WHO.
The U.S. is reportedly behind on approximately $200 million in regular and membership fees owed to the WHO. All these payments must be made to officially complete the withdrawal, but the Democratic Party, which controls the House, has already declared it will block the withdrawal. The Washington Post (WP) also reported that it is unclear whether President Trump can allocate the necessary funds for withdrawal without congressional approval.
The upcoming November election is also a variable. As President Trump's approval ratings are falling even in his strongholds, his chances of re-election are gradually decreasing. Former Vice President Biden asserted, "When the U.S. engages in strengthening international health, Americans are safer," adding, "If I am elected, I will immediately rejoin the WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage."
Since taking office, President Trump has consecutively withdrawn from international organizations and nullified international agreements. Notable examples include the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran nuclear deal, the Open Skies Treaty, and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia. President Trump has also declared his intention to withdraw from the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
