The U.S. and several allies issued a joint statement urging Taiwan to be allowed to participate in a key meeting of the World Health Organization, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to inclusive international health cooperation. Taiwan has been excluded from most international organizations due to objections from China, which views the island as its territory. The joint statement was issued by countries such as Britain, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Japan.
Taiwan had previously attended the WHO’s World Health Assembly as an observer from 2009 to 2016 under President Ma Ying-jeou’s administration, which had signed agreements with China. However, China began blocking Taiwan’s participation in 2017 after President Tsai Ing-wen took office and refused to agree to China’s stance that both China and Taiwan are part of “one China.” The U.S. and its allies believe that Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHA undermines global public health cooperation and security.
Aligning with the joint statement, Taiwan’s Health Minister announced that a delegation would travel to Geneva for meetings with friendly countries. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister blamed China for the nation’s exclusion, stating that health should not be politicized. The U.S. and its allies, despite not having formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, continue to advocate for Taiwan’s participation, causing China to express its disagreement.
China’s foreign ministry argued that Taiwan’s government does not accept the “one China” principle, rendering it politically unsupported for WHA participation. Taiwan’s government refuted China’s claim, asserting that Beijing has no right to represent Taiwan on the international stage. China has displayed animosity towards Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, accusing him of being a “separatist” and conducting war games near the island in response to his inauguration.
The WHO has stated that Taiwan’s participation is subject to member states’ decisions and has facilitated involvement of Taiwanese experts in technical activities. The current situation highlights the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, with the U.S. and its allies vocalizing their support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the global health community despite objections from Beijing. The issue underscores the complex relations in East Asia and the challenges faced by Taiwan in participating in international organizations.
