China Condemns US as "Political Manipulation" Over Taiwan's WHA Participation Support

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] As the U.S. Congress moves to prepare support measures for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), China strongly condemned it as a 'political maneuver' by some anti-China politicians.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 12th, spokesperson Hua Chunying expressed this position during a Q&A session with reporters regarding the recent passage by the U.S. Senate of a bill requiring the U.S. Department of State to develop a strategy to allow Taiwan to participate as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO's final decision-making body.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "This bill seriously violates the 'One China' principle and the three joint communiques between the U.S. and China (agreements between the two countries on mutual non-interference and reduction of arms sales to Taiwan)." She added, "We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and have lodged solemn representations with the United States."

China uses the phrase 'lodged solemn representations' when protesting certain issues through diplomatic channels.

She continued, "Taiwan's participation in WHO activities must comply with the One China principle," emphasizing, "The central government of China values the health and welfare of Taiwan compatriots and has appropriately arranged Taiwan's participation in WHO activities on the premise of conforming to the One China principle."

Furthermore, she asserted, "The U.S. Congress should recognize the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue," and "It should not assist Taiwan in expanding its international space nor send any wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces."

Taiwan participated in the WHA as an observer from 2009 to 2016, a period when relations with China were good.

However, after the anti-China administration of Tsai Ing-wen took office, Taiwan has been unable to participate since 2017 due to China's opposition.

In May, Taiwan also attempted to participate in the WHA backed by support from the Group of Seven (G7) major countries including the U.S., but did not receive an invitation due to China's opposition, which regards Taiwan as its own territory.

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