Donald Trump says US will cut ties with World Health Organisation over coronavirus

President Trump said China has 'total control' over the global organisation

Donald Trump said the US would be terminating its relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The president said China had 'total control' over the global organisation, meaning it has failed to properly respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

He claimed officials in China 'ignored' their reporting obligations to the WHO.

The president said the country pressured the group to 'mislead' the world when the virus was first discovered.

Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump said: “We have detailed the reforms that it must make and engaged with them directly, but they have refused to act.

“Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating the relationship.”

Mr Trump said the US pays about $450m (£360m) to the world body, while China provides about $40m (£32m).

The US is the largest source of financial support to the WHO.

Its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organisation.

The president said the US would be 'redirecting' the money to 'other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs'.

He did not provide specifics about where the money would go.