TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction Tuesday (May 28) after Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Assembly (WHA) was thwarted.
MOFA criticized China's claim to the "one-China principle" as not being a universal consensus and thanked allies and like-minded countries for their strong support of Taiwan's participation in the WHA, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration to promote global health security.
Global Support Amidst Setbacks
MOFA appreciated the efforts of Taiwan's allies in voicing support for Taiwan's inclusion in the WHA. 11 World Health Organization (WHO) member states, including the health ministers from the Marshall Islands, Saint Lucia, Belize, and Saint Vincent, had proposed inviting Taiwan as an observer.
During the debates, allies voiced their support for Taiwan, highlighting the urgency and importance of Taiwan's participation in WHO and WHA activities. MOFA lamented the decision, pointing out that China, along with its allies Cuba and Pakistan, resorted to political manipulation over global public health safety, misleading the international community and undermining the inclusive spirit upheld by WHO since its inception.
Taiwan's Rightful Place in Global Health
MOFA reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, challenging China's "one-China principle" as not reflective of the international community's consensus or practice.
The ministry underscored that only Taiwan's democratically elected government could represent its people in the UN system, including WHO, and safeguard their health rights, free from China's interference.
On the first day of the WHA, like-minded countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and the European Union, represented by Belgium, spoke in favor of Taiwan. MOFA thanked these nations for their support and vowed to continue working with allies and like-minded countries to enhance global health security, demonstrating a collective effort to include Taiwan in international health discussions.