Beijing: China confirmed on Monday that it will prevent Taiwan from participating in the upcoming annual assembly of the World Health Organization, prompting Taipei to announce it will send a delegation regardless to conduct meetings on the sidelines of the international event. Beijing’s decision to exclude the island, which it claims as its own territory, continues a trend of diplomatic isolation that has intensified over the last decade. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiankun stated in Beijing that the People’s Republic of China remains the sole legitimate government for the entire country, and the move is necessary to uphold the “One China” principle. He argued that the decision defends the authority of previous resolutions made by the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly, effectively barring the democratically governed island from formal proceedings scheduled for next week.
In Taipei, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang expressed deep disappointment over the lack of an invitation, describing the exclusion as a significant loss for global health efforts given the pressing medical challenges currently facing the world. He emphasized that Taiwan should not be absent from such critical discussions and must be proactive about sharing its expertise. Shih confirmed he will lead a team to Geneva to host Taiwan’s own events and engage in discussions with various health experts outside the official assembly. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also indicated he is considering joining the delegation to further bolster Taiwan’s international presence despite the official blockade from the primary sessions.
The diplomatic standoff has its roots in the evolving political leadership within Taiwan and its relationship with the mainland. Between 2009 and 2016, Taiwan held observer status at the WHA during a period of eased tensions under the administration of then-President Ma Ying-jeou. However, Beijing began blocking Taiwan’s participation in 2017 following the election of Tsai Ing-wen, who refused to accept China’s position on sovereignty. Current President Lai Ching-te has maintained this policy, leading to the continued friction seen today. Taipei’s government firmly rejects China’s sovereignty claims, asserting that Beijing has no legal or moral right to represent the island’s 23 million citizens on the world stage, particularly in matters of public health where geographic gaps can have global consequences.
