The World Health Organization's Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wanted to praise China in late January for the country's response to the Wuhan coronavirus. According to Reuters, Tedros "was impressed by their knowledge of the new flu-like virus and their efforts to contain the disease."
Despite wanting to praise China, WHO advisers encouraged Tedros to tone down his language, out of fear of how the rest of the world would react. Tedros was adamant about praising China in hopes of receiving their cooperation in helping to contain the virus.
“We knew how it was going to look, and he can sometimes be a bit naive about that,” the adviser who wished to remain anonymous told Reuters. “But he’s also stubborn.”
What's amazing is Tedros wanted to praise the Chinese regime even after it had been reported that the country's leadership continually stifled whistleblowers that attempted to alert the world to the deadly virus. Interestingly enough, doctors and reporters who sounded the alarm about the virus went missing.
This now explains why the WHO was quick to go to bat for China and parrot the regime's talking points. Remember, back in January, the WHO told the world that the Wuhan coronavirus was not transmitted from human-to-human. That was quickly proven to be false.
We have also learned that the virus was likely developed in a lab in Wuhan. The "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance – made up of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand – shows that 70 to 75 percent of the U.S.' agencies believe the virus started in a Wuhan lab. Even though the intelligence community believes this virus started in a lab, they believe its leak was unintentional and the result of an accident.
The worst part of this entire thing though? Chinese President Xi Jinping personally asked Tedros to delay publishing vital information about the Wuhan coronavirus. Specifically, Xi wanted the WHO to not tell the world that the coronavirus was transmitted from person-to-person.
These various details are why President Donald Trump halted funding for the international organization, although that remains up in the air. He is considering restoring some funding for the WHO, although it wouldn't be at the level it once was. It would be at 10 percent of what the United States once paid, putting it at the same level as China. That, however, is one of the few options that are on the table.
Lou, this is just one of numerous concepts being considered under which we would pay 10% of what we have been paying over many years, matching much lower China payments. Have not made final decision. All funds are frozen. Thanks! https://t.co/xQUzHy4NDa
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
The anonymous WHO official that spoke to Reuters said the funding halt has frustrated Tedros, who sees this as a "political football" during the middle of a global pandemic.
Editor's Note: Want to support Townhall so we can keep fighting the ChiComs and tell the truth about China and the virus they unleashed on the world? Join Townhall VIP and use the promo code WUHAN to get 25% off VIP membership!
Join the conversation as a VIP Member