TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will continue fighting for participation in the World Health Assembly, Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) said on Thursday.

Chiu's comment comes amid rumors the US may not attend this year’s WHA, which begins May 19 in Geneva, Switzerland, per CNA. The US is the primary backer for Taiwan's inclusion in the global health body. 

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January that withdrew the country from the WHO.

The WHA is a valuable opportunity for Taiwan to engage with like-minded countries, Chiu said. Taiwan seeks participation through official channels or civil society groups to maximize exchanges within a one-week window, he said.

Chiu pointed out that last year, Taiwan's WHA delegation held bilateral exchanges with health officials from dozens of countries, building strong relationships. Although this year’s budget has been reduced, Taiwan aims to maintain its existing momentum and ensure its voice is heard on the international stage, he said. 

The Presidential Office and Cabinet place value on this endeavor. Chiu said they hope to showcase Taiwan’s excellence in public health in Geneva. 

Last month, Jonathan C.Y. Sun (孫儉元), director-general of the foreign ministry’s Department of International Organizations, said that US support for Taiwan in the WHO remains strong despite its withdrawal. 

Taiwan held observer status in the WHA from 2009 to 2016, when then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office. It has since been excluded from these meetings.