World Health Organization declares global health emergency
On Saturday, the World Health Organization declared the current epidemic of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda “a public health emergency of international concern,” but said it does not meet the criteria for pandemic. The latest outbreak has killed over 90 people, and at least 330 are suspected to have the virus. Six Americans have reportedly been exposed to Ebola within the DRC. Past strains of the virus have mostly affected sub-Saharan Africa, but the current one, known as Bundibugyo, could be difficult to contain as there is no targeted vaccine nor treatment, and fewer field tests are available. Experts believe that the Trump administration’s decision to exit the WHO and cut funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which previously helped to contain outbreaks, will also complicate the response to this latest epidemic.
Trump hands Beijing a small win by delaying arms deal
Just days after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview that he is delaying a decision on a $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan. In the same interview, Trump emphasized that he is “not looking to have someone go independent,” which prompted Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, to reaffirm that Taiwan already considers itself a sovereign nation. Even a small delay is seen as a win for China. Although the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as independent, previous American leaders have maintained informal relations with the island through a policy known as “strategic ambiguity,” and some view Trump’s remarks as departing from the usual approach. It is likely Trump will use the new arms deal as leverage in future negotiations. He and Xi Jinping are expected to meet again in September.
