On April 29th, the Washington think tank “The German Marshall Fund” held a presentation on the study report of UN Resolution 2758. Mark Baxter Lambert, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia Pacific at the US State Department, openly criticized China for inaccurately interpreting the resolution and attempting to improperly link it to the “One China Principle.” He also clearly outlined the US’s five-point stance on the resolution.
Firstly, the resolution does not mention Taiwan or declare it as part of the People’s Republic of China. Secondly, it does not explicitly authorize Beijing to represent Taiwan in the UN system. Thirdly, it does not establish a UN institutional position on Taiwan’s political status. Fourthly, it does not hinder Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system and other multilateral forums. Lastly, it has no impact on countries’ sovereign choices regarding their relationships with Taiwan.
The 77th World Health Assembly will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 27th to June 1st, with the theme “All for Health, Health for All.” Taiwan, with a population of 23.5 million, has been excluded from the WHA, sparking confusion and prompting Taiwanese communities worldwide to campaign for Taiwan’s participation in the event.
Since 2017, Taiwan has been continually denied access to the WHA. The historic context of Taiwan’s exclusion dates back to the 1970s when it was replaced by the People’s Republic of China in the WHO under UN Resolution 2758. Despite efforts by various administrations in Taiwan to participate under different names, Taiwan’s exclusion continues.
The WHO Constitution specifies membership qualifications, rules, and the status of observer participants. Taiwan’s attempts to join the WHA under different administrations have all been met with rejection, reflecting broader geopolitical complexities and cross-strait dynamics.
As international support grows for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, discussions revolve around mechanisms for Taiwan to engage meaningfully in global health governance. Whether Taiwan becomes an observer, associate member, or full member hinges on international backing and the use of the name “Taiwan,” distinct from the historical legacy of the Republic of China.
The current dynamics underscore the complexities of Taiwan’s diplomatic status and its aspirations to engage fully with international organizations like the WHO. The road ahead for Taiwan’s participation in the global health arena remains both challenging and politically sensitive. Taiwan, are you ready to take flight? Are you prepared for the opportunities ahead?