Despite Taiwan’s assertion that support for its participation in the World Health Organization’s annual assembly was growing, the island failed on Monday in its efforts to secure an invitation. The decision was made by the annual assembly in Geneva, which opted not to extend an invitation to Taiwan for the event taking place from May 21-30. China and Pakistan urged members to reject Taiwan’s inclusion, while eSwatini and the Marshall Islands spoke in favor of it.
China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan and considers it part of “one China” under Beijing’s governance, welcomed the WHO’s decision. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that the decision fully demonstrates the international community’s support for the one-China principle and its trend of the times, emphasizing that it should not be challenged. The ministry mentioned that nearly 100 countries expressed adherence to the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan’s participation through letters and statements to the WHO prior to the conference.
Taiwan’s government has not yet responded to the WHO’s decision. Although Taiwan is allowed to attend certain technical WHO meetings, its exclusion from the organization hampers its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims and asserts that the future of the island should be decided by the Taiwanese people.
