The World Health Organization (WHO) will hold its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) starting on May 27. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken strongly urged for Taiwan to rejoin the conference as an observer.
Blinken emphasized that excluding Taiwan would weaken global public health security. This marks the fourth time since assuming office in January 2021 that he openly supported Taiwan’s return to the WHA.
“In the years between 2009 and 2016, Taiwan participated in the WHA as an observer without objection, but has since been excluded from the meetings,” he stated in a release.
“The United States strongly encourages the WHO to once again invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in this year’s WHA, allowing the world to benefit from Taiwan’s expertise and experience,” said Blinken.
He pointed out that Taiwan’s outstanding capabilities are highly valuable to the WHA.
“Taiwan has repeatedly demonstrated its ability and willingness to assist with global health crises and support the global health community,” Blinken said. “Continuing to exclude Taiwan from this important global health forum undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world seeks and urgently needs.”
Blinken reiterated the US’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international forums.
So far, Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation to the WHA.
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu stated on Thursday that Taiwan may not be able to attend this year’s WHA and called for more countries to support Taiwan’s participation in the meeting.
Wu said, “Although there may be some difficulties in attending the WHA this year, I believe that with continued effort, we will garner more support from other countries.”
Due to the opposition from the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan is excluded from most international organizations, with the CCP claiming the democratic self-governing island as its territory.
Since President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party took office in 2017, the CCP has increased pressure on Taiwan.
The WHA this year will commence on May 27, just one week after the inauguration of Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te. The CCP alleges that Lai Ching-te is a dangerous separatist and has rejected his appeals for dialogue.
In recent years, the CCP has escalated diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan, attempting to force Taiwan to accept its sovereignty claims.
The Taiwanese authorities have denied the CCP’s assertions, stating that only the 23 million people of Taiwan can determine their own future, and Beijing has no authority to speak for Taiwan or represent it on the international stage.