Joseph Wu: 6 allies back Taiwan’s bid for WHA participation

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said on Wednesday (May 15) that six diplomatic allies have proposed inviting Taiwan to participate as an observer at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA), which will take place from May 27 to June 1 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Diplomatic Efforts and International Support

During a report to the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee, Wu highlighted the ongoing efforts to garner international support for Taiwan's participation in the WHA. Despite strong backing from the United States, the lack of an invitation has raised questions among legislators, including Kuomintang Legislator Ma Wen-chun (馬文君), who inquired why Taiwan remains uninvited this year.

Wu pointed out that Taiwan's participation in the WHA from 2009 to 2016 was under the condition of accepting political terms from China. However, in 2016, Taiwan attended without agreeing to these terms or accepting China's interpretation of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Wu's remarks underscore the political complexities surrounding Taiwan's international participation.

Looking Forward

Wu remains optimistic about increasing the number of diplomatic allies supporting Taiwan's bid to participate in the WHA as an observer. He anticipates that all of Taiwan's diplomatic allies will propose support for its participation. This move reflects Taiwan's ongoing struggle for international recognition and participation in global health discussions amidst geopolitical tensions.

As the WHA approaches, the international community will watch closely to see if Taiwan's diplomatic efforts will lead to its inclusion as an observer, marking a significant step in its quest for broader international participation and recognition.