Taiwan, "Has Not Yet Received Invitation to WHO Assembly"...Controversy Over WHO's Pro-China Actions

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked pro-China controversy by not inviting Taiwan to the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO's highest decision-making meeting among member states, scheduled for mid-month. Previously, the Chinese government expressed strong opposition to Taiwan's participation in the WHA, while the United States has voiced support for Taiwan's attendance, escalating the issue into a US-China dispute.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press, on the 4th, the Taiwanese government announced that it has yet to receive an invitation to the WHA, the WHO's highest decision-making meeting, set to be held from the 17th. Joanne Ou, spokesperson for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "We have not yet received an invitation from the WHO to attend the WHA and are still waiting," adding, "The Taiwanese delegation hopes to participate as an observer and share Taiwan's experience related to COVID-19 with the world." It is reported that the WHO has not responded to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' request for an invitation.

Analysts suggest that the WHO's refusal to invite the Taiwanese government to the assembly is due to pressure from the Chinese government. Previously, the Chinese government strongly opposed Taiwan's attendance as an observer at the assembly. Liu Yuyin, spokesperson for the Chinese Mission in Geneva, stated on the mission's website, "The Taiwan region is part of China, and participation in international organizations such as the WHO must be handled according to the 'One China' principle." Currently, Taiwan holds only observer status in the WHO due to China's influence and is not a full member.

The United States has strongly opposed China's stance and is supporting Taiwan's attendance at the assembly. On the 27th of last month, US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar expressed willingness to cooperate with Taiwan on COVID-19 response during a phone call with Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare, and reaffirmed continued support for Taiwan's participation in the assembly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.