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In an editorial in the Global Times, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party, Beijing claims the upcoming US elections and partisan interests have “affected US foreign policy in such a brutal and arbitrary way, which is appalling”. The comments come after Donald Trump said the United States would leave the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 6, 2021 after sending notification of the decision.

President Donald Trump has accused the agency of becoming a “puppet” for China – who the US President has blamed for the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

Beijing has rejected the claim from President Trump.

The Global Times editorial said: “We condemn Washington’s move to withdraw from the WHO at this critical juncture.

“Its decision will inevitably split world unity that is much needed in the ongoing virus fight.

“Only Washington recklessly blamed China and the WHO for its anti-virus failure, while it boasted of its excellent performance.

“Such brazenness in confusing right and wrong works well in the US, and many voters buy it, which shows how distorted the US politics and opinions have become.”

President Trump has given a one-year notice of America’s withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and will pay all Washington’s dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the US Congress.

The WHO said the United States currently owes the organisation more than £160million in assessed contributions.

READ MORE: Beijing accuses US of benefiting from provoking regional relations

The editorial added: “As the pandemic situation in the US spirals out of control while China sees few or no infected cases each day, Washington will find it harder and harder to sustain its show.

“Its announcement of withdrawing from the WHO can be seen as its last attempt to pass the buck.

“There will surely be worse situations, but Washington can hardly justify itself, no matter how harsh its words and deeds might be.

“A Chinese proverb describes someone as quenching one’s thirst with poisoned wine, and now the proverb can be used on the hysteric US government.”

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But Vice President Mike Pence, when asked in a Fox News Channel interview whether it was the right time to break with the WHO, he said: “It’s absolutely the right time.”

Mr Pence added: “The World Health Organization let the world down. There have to be consequences to this.”

China’s state media also hit back at the repeated claims by the Trump administration which has blamed Beijing for the pandemic.

The Global Times, which often acts as a mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party, said: “The situation in quite a number of countries has eased.

“But the US federal government has almost given up its efforts, making the US the worst bruise in the global virus prevention system.

“Though a superpower, the US has no right to reverse the world’s improving situation.”

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, described President Trump’s official withdrawal as “an act of true senselessness as WHO coordinates the global fight against COVID-19”.

President Trump’s decision could be overturned before it takes effect if he is defeated by his Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, in the November Presidential election.

The President halted funding for the 194-member organisation in April, then in a May 18 letter gave the WHO 30 days to commit to reforms before saying they would quit.

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