TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is working to have Taiwan invited to the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer on Thursday (May 23). 

At the State of American Diplomacy in 2024 hearing, Blinken discussed a range of topics, including the conflict between Israel and Gaza and the war in Ukraine. Regarding Taiwan, the secretary said Taipei’s exclusion from the WHA prevents the world from benefiting from Taiwan’s expertise, per CNA.

Congressmember Young Kim (金映玉) said during the hearing that she had previously helped pass legislation two years ago to support Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). “As you know, the WHA is convening next week and as of today, Taiwan has not been invited to be an observer at the 77th WHA,” she said.

Kim inquired about the State Department’s compliance with this legislation and urged them to intensify efforts to secure Taiwan’s participation in the WHA.

“I fully agree with the legislation,” Blinken replied. “We’re going to work on it until the last second if necessary.”

“We’ve been going around trying to lobby other countries to engage on this and of course, we’ve taken this to Beijing directly,” he added.

The WHA is the decision-making body of the WHO and meets annually to discuss the organization’s policies.