Geneva, 23 May 2023 (GNP): Taiwan’s efforts to secure an invitation to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual assembly have been met with disappointment, as the island’s request was denied by the assembly held in Geneva on May 21-30.
Taiwan claimed that there was growing support for its inclusion, but China and Pakistan were successful in persuading members to oppose Taiwan’s participation.
However, Eswatini and the Marshall Islands advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in WHO annual assembly.
China’s claim over Taiwan, considering it as part of “one China” governed by Beijing, has resulted in the island’s exclusion from several international organizations.
Taiwan has denounced the WHO’s decision, calling China’s actions “contemptible” for preventing the island from participating in international organizations and asserting that Beijing has no authority to speak on behalf of the island.
The Taiwanese foreign ministry clarified that only the democratically elected Taiwanese government can efficiently represent the 23 million people of Taiwan within the WHO and other international organizations.
https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1660630774448795649?cxt=HHwWgsDR4YK534suAAAA
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China applauded the decision stating it indicates that the one-China principle is acknowledged by the international community.
“This fully shows that the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times in the international community and cannot be challenged in any way,” according to a statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry.
Western nations are in favor of Taiwan’s participation, praising its noteworthy accomplishments in containing the coronavirus outbreak.
Taiwan’s experience in public health and cutting-edge technology was notably praised by the United States, who claimed that its involvement would be very beneficial to the organization.
In a statement, Taiwan’s foreign ministry pointed out that the issue at hand pertains to public health and should not be overshadowed by political reasons.
