The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) was held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 27 to June 1, with Taiwan being excluded for multiple years. However, the number of countries advocating for Taiwan at this year’s assembly has significantly increased compared to previous years.
Prior to the opening of the WHA, during a mass walking event with over a thousand participants, Juan Pablo, the head of the Food and Nutrition Security Agency of the World Health Organization, held a banner that read “I walk with Taiwan” in response to the support from Taiwanese groups along the route.
In an interview with the media, Juan Pablo expressed regret over Taiwan not being invited, emphasizing the longstanding cooperation between Taiwan and the WHO.
This year, a total of 26 member countries and observer status representatives from the EU openly voiced support for Taiwan, with an increase of 10 countries from Europe, 5 from the Asia-Pacific region, including Israel, and all of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies except the Vatican standing strong for Taiwan.
Compared to last year, the number of non-diplomatic allies advocating for Taiwan has increased, with countries like the Netherlands, New Zealand, Latvia, Israel, and the EU delivering speeches advocating for Taiwan during the general discussion on May 27 and 28, marking a significant increase in support.
Health ministers and representatives from the U.S., Luxembourg, Japan, Australia, France, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and others have all spoken in support of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, highlighting the importance of incorporating Taiwan’s successful public health experiences.
Germany’s Federal Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, urged the WHO to reduce bureaucracy and make use of Taiwan’s expertise in the field.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia continue to firmly support Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the WHO. New Zealand and Israel have joined the ranks this year, stressing the need for inclusive practices and incorporating Taiwan’s expertise.
In a show of solidarity, Taiwan’s diplomatic allies like Paraguay, Guatemala, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Eswatini, Tuvalu, and Palau have continued to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in the global public health system at the WHA.
In response to the rejection of the proposal to invite Taiwan as an observer at the WHA, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated the “One China” principle, asserting Taiwan’s exclusion.
The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated during a press briefing on Tuesday, May 28, that Taiwan should be allowed to participate in WHO meetings as they bring valuable expertise to the discussions.
U.S. officials have clarified that the 1971 UN Resolution 2758 does not hinder Taiwan from meaningfully engaging in the UN system and other multilateral forums.
The 1971 UN Resolution 2758 passed on October 25 designated the People’s Republic of China as the successor to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the UN, but did not address Taiwan’s sovereignty status.