By Abdullahi Lukman
On inauguration day, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders that set in motion the United States’ withdrawal from both the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO).
These moves, although still in the early stages, are expected to have far-reaching consequences, potentially altering the global balance of power, particularly in international climate and health organizations.
While the full impact of these decisions will take time to become clear, Cobus Van Staden, a China-Africa expert at the South African Institute for International Affairs, argues that one of the unintended effects of these withdrawals could be a shift toward China as a central player in these global forums.
“The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord weakens the voice the U.S. had in these organizations,” Van Staden explained.
“The net effect of many of these orders is that they further elevate China’s central role in the relationship with many Global South countries, particularly in Africa,” he asserted.
This shift is significant, as China, while the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has also become the largest producer of green technology products globally.
Christian-Geraud Neema, a researcher with the China Global South Project, pointed out that China’s position as the biggest manufacturer of renewable energy technologies positions it to step in as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change.
“When the U.S. withdraws from the Paris Accords, China can rightfully claim its narrative of being the green technology champion,” Neema said, noting that China has already taken significant steps to build and sell renewable energy products on a global scale.
China’s growing influence is not limited to the environmental sector.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed concern over the U.S. decision, particularly its potential to hinder international climate cooperation.
“Climate change is a common challenge facing mankind. No country can stay out of it. No country can be immune to it,” Guo said.
He reiterated that China’s commitment to responding actively to climate change would remain consistent, despite the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
While China is emerging as a key actor in global climate governance, the implications for Africa’s health systems are equally critical.
Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressed concern over the potential disruptions in health services for African countries, particularly given the U.S.’s pivotal role in supporting health initiatives across the continent.
“My interest is the health of African people, and the U.S. has been our main partner,” Kaseya told Newzroom Afrika.
“The U.S. has been providing a large spectrum of services to African people.
It’s important for us to understand the implications of this decision and see how we can overcome this challenge for the African people.”
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Despite these concerns, Kaseya remained optimistic about the potential for creating new avenues for cooperation under the new U.S. administration.
“I think we have an opportunity to create a win-win scenario for all of us,” he said, acknowledging that while the U.S. exit could create challenges, it might also open up new opportunities for collaboration with other global powers.
The U.S. decision to withdraw from the WHO could also enhance China’s position as a leader in global health.
Neema explained that with the U.S. pulling out, China is likely to fill the void in global health cooperation.
“China has been expanding its medical influence in Africa, building hospitals and sending medical aid ships and doctors,” Neema noted.
China’s longstanding commitment to health diplomacy in Africa, including initiatives like the construction of health infrastructure and the provision of medical supplies, positions it as a key partner for many African countries seeking to fill the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.
President Trump’s decision to leave the WHO was largely driven by his administration’s dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the disproportionate financial contribution of the U.S. compared to China.
Trump frequently criticized the WHO for what he perceived as its bias towards China, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic. “Pretty sad though, think of it,” Trump remarked in a statement.
“China pays $39 million, and we pay $500 million. And China’s a bigger country.”
In response to the U.S. exit, Chinese officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the WHO and international public health cooperation.
Guo Jiakun emphasized that China would continue to support the WHO in fulfilling its responsibilities and would work to strengthen global health governance in the face of these challenges.
Bob Wekesa, the director at the African Center for the Study of the United States at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, pointed out that African countries would now need to seek alternative sources of support for health and development, particularly in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO.
“African countries will eventually have to figure out how to raise their own internal resources for health matters,” Wekesa said.
“If not, they’ll likely rely more heavily on European, Chinese, and Indian support.”
While the U.S. had pledged over $1 billion in humanitarian aid to African countries last month, Wekesa noted that African nations had already begun to diversify their partnerships during Trump’s first term in office, seeking assistance from other global powers.
With the U.S. pulling back from both the WHO and the Paris Agreement, this trend is expected to continue, further solidifying China’s role as a major player in Africa’s development and global health sectors.
Ultimately, the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and the WHO could mark the beginning of a new era in international relations, where China emerges as a central figure in addressing both climate change and global health issues.
While these shifts could present challenges for the U.S. and its allies, they also offer new opportunities for global cooperation, particularly with emerging powers like China.
