Blinken pushes for Taiwan’s observer status at WHA

WASHINGTON (TVBS News) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Thursday (May 23) that the U.S. is making concerted efforts to secure Taiwan's attendance as an observer at the World Health Assembly (WHA).

During his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Blinken revealed that the U.S. is lobbying other countries and engaging in direct talks with Beijing to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in the WHA, scheduled from May 27 to June 1 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The push for Taiwan's WHA participation faces significant opposition from China. Yang Tao, director-general of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, reiterated China's sovereignty over Taiwan and urged the U.S. to cease undermining the One-China principle.

Taiwan's participation in the WHA as an observer from 2009 to 2016, under the name "Chinese Taipei," marked a period of improved cross-strait relations. However, following a change in Taiwan's government and a shift in Beijing's stance, Taiwan has not received an invitation to the WHA since 2017.

Blinken's efforts underscore the U.S.'s support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international forums under the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the One-China policy.

As the WHA meeting approaches, the international community watches closely to see if the U.S.'s diplomatic efforts will pave the way for Taiwan's inclusion, marking a significant step in Taiwan's quest for broader international recognition and participation.