WHO Futility Debate Rekindled... Taiwan's Participation in World Health Assembly Virtually Blocked

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Young-shin] Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) has been virtually canceled amid a standoff between the United States and China. The debate over the usefulness of the World Health Organization (WHO) is also expected to reignite.

Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 15th, citing Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen's statement that "attendance at the assembly has become difficult due to China's political pressure." He added that the WHO Secretariat, which should respect expertise and neutrality, has succumbed to China.

The WHO will hold the assembly via video conference on the 18th and 19th to share each country's efforts and achievements in combating the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Taiwan currently has 440 confirmed COVID-19 cases and only 7 deaths. Because of this, Taiwan's COVID-19 response is considered a global model case. Since this assembly is a place to share countries' epidemic prevention know-how, Taiwan's invitation was highly anticipated. Ahead of the assembly, the United States and China engaged in a standoff over Taiwan's invitation, but ultimately China's will prevailed. Taiwan is not a WHO member state. The Chinese government opposed Taiwan's participation, citing the "One-China" principle. China's official position is that there can be no "One China, One Taiwan" at an international conference-level assembly.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 13th, "China's position on Taiwan's participation in the WHO is consistent and clear," urging, "The United States must abide by the One-China principle and stop supporting the Taiwan authorities who are using COVID-19 to seek independence."

With Taiwan's absence from the assembly finalized, criticism of the WHO from the United States and other Western countries is expected to pour in. In particular, the argument over the uselessness of the WHO is likely to resurface. Despite the fact that epidemic prevention knows no borders, the WHO is bound to face criticism for excessively kowtowing to China.

The WHO has been criticized by the United States and other Western countries for its delayed declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its pro-China stance. The transparency, fairness, and neutrality of the WHO, which is ultimately responsible for global health and hygiene, have been damaged.

Attention will also focus on the future moves of the United States. On the 14th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "I will make an announcement about the WHO soon. Probably next week." It is expected that additional investigation results and corresponding measures regarding the WHO will be announced.

President Trump previously halted funding to the WHO, citing its failure to respond properly to the COVID-19 crisis and its pro-China behavior.

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