China criticises the US for freezing funding to the WHO

China on Friday criticised the United States for freezing its funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing Washington of applying "pressure and threat" to the UN agency.

US President Donald Trump announced last week that the US - the biggest donor to WHO - would stop funding the organisation, alleging a WHO cover-up and missteps in its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

At a briefing in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said the suspension of funding could lead to "serious consequences".

"The US, as the largest contributor to WHO, flattered itself that WHO should follow its command. This is typically a hegemonic mentality," said Geng.

Geng also expressed opposition to a newly released report by the US Energy Department that called on Washington to restore its lead in the field of nuclear technology.

"China firmly opposes this erroneous practice of politicizing nuclear energy cooperation, and will never accept the accusation made in the report against China," said Geng.