China Strongly Opposes Taiwan's WHO Assembly Invitation, Predicts It Will End in Failure

As the United States officially announced its position to invite Taiwan to the World Health Assembly (WHA) scheduled for the end of this month, China strongly opposed the move.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 10th, "We firmly oppose (Taiwan's participation)" and added, "Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) activities, must be handled in accordance with the One-China principle."

Wang further said, "The One-China principle enjoys universal support from the international community; it reflects the will of the people and the prevailing trend. It cannot be denied or obstructed. Any attempt to use the Taiwan card to suppress China will inevitably encounter resolute opposition from the international community and end in failure."

These remarks were a response to the U.S. State Department's position advocating for Taiwan's invitation as an observer. Secretary Blinken issued a statement the same day, strongly recommending "that the WHO invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in this year's WHA annual meeting to enhance the expertise of the discussions."

He said, "The WHA discusses global public health priorities," adding, "This is a special opportunity for delegations and health experts worldwide to advance global health and health security."

The WHA is the highest decision-making body of the WHO and will be held from the 21st to the 30th of this month in Geneva, Switzerland. Taiwan was a founding member of the WHO but was expelled in 1972 after the United Nations recognized China as the sole legitimate government between China and Taiwan and revoked Taiwan's UN membership.

Taiwan participated as an observer in the WHA from 2009 to 2016 during a period of improved relations with China, but since the administration of Tsai Ing-wen, which has a strong pro-independence stance, Taiwan has been excluded from the attendance list due to China's opposition.

The Biden administration, which has placed China containment policies at the forefront, requested Taiwan's participation in the WHO assembly in 2021, but the effort was thwarted by China's opposition. Last year, President Biden even signed a law supporting Taiwan's WHA observer participation, but it did not come to fruition.

The United States continues to promote Taiwan's participation in international meetings such as the WHA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which has provoked strong opposition from China.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

In his statement, Secretary Blinken said, "Inviting Taiwan as an observer is a good example of WHO's comprehensive commitment to a 'Health for All' approach in international health cooperation," noting, "Taiwan is a highly competent, active, and responsible member of the global health community and has been invited as an observer to this meeting in the past."

He also emphasized, "Taiwan's unique capabilities and approaches, including notable public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology, add significant value to WHA discussions."

He pointed out, "Isolating Taiwan from the WHA is unreasonable and weakens the comprehensive global public health cooperation and security that the world demands."

He continued, "Taiwan is a reliable partner and a vibrant democracy, a force for good in the world," and said, "The United States will continue to advocate for Taiwan's return as a WHA observer and for Taiwan's meaningful and firm participation in the UN system and international forums."

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