TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanked 85 countries that advocated for Taiwan’s representation at the World Health Assembly (WHA) on May 26-27.

“Over 7,000 individuals from these nations’ legislatures, medical associations, think tanks, and other organizations have spoken up for Taiwan in various ways as the World Health Organization (WHO) prepares for the 77th meeting of its governing body,” according to a MOFA press release. “Support for Taiwan during the 77th meeting of the World Health Assembly is sincerely appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan.” 

In addition, 11 of Taiwan’s allies submitted proposals to the WHO secretariat to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer and request that it be included as a "supplementary item" in this session, MOFA said.

Joint statements were also released following the G7 meeting and Australia-U.K. 2+2 ministerial consultations. Meanwhile, top officials, such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa, have publicly voiced support for Taiwan's WHA participation.

MOFA added that civil society and grassroots organizations are also important contributors to supporting Taiwan's international participation. The World Medical Association (WMA) sent a letter to the WHO director-general asking it to open its door to Taiwan.

On social media, the hashtags "#TaiwanCanHelp", "#LetTaiwanHelp", "#TaiwanDelivers" and "#CountTaiwanIn" have been tagged by users around the world. 

China’s influence has prevented Taiwan from being invited to the annual assembly for several years. However, countries argue the “Health For All” slogan should also apply to Taiwan.