TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Nine foreign representative offices in Taiwan issued a joint statement on Thursday supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly, saying there is “no legitimate reason” for its continued exclusion.
The statement was released by offices representing the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Lithuania, New Zealand, and Poland as the 79th WHA convenes in Geneva without Taiwan’s participation, per CNA.
The offices reiterated support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization and its inclusion in the WHA as an observer. They said infectious diseases and public health risks do not respect borders, making international cooperation essential.
The statement noted that Taiwan was invited to attend the WHA as an observer from 2009 to 2016 and said Taiwan has demonstrated strengths in public health, democratic governance, and advanced technology that could contribute to global health discussions.
It added that excluding Taiwan undermines the spirit of inclusive global health cooperation and security outlined in the WHO’s founding principles.
“Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of the World Health Organization would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan, but also around the world,” the offices said.
