PRESIDENT TSAI: TAIWAN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WHA IS AN INDICATOR OF CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS
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Speaking before the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva, President Tsai Ing-wen has said that whether or not Taiwan can participate in this year’s WHA is a very important indicator of cross strait relations.
The president said, ‘If China makes a decision to the contrary, this will have a major adverse impact on cross-strait relations, as the Taiwanese people will not understand why they have been prevented from participating in an expert and non-political event like the WHA.’
President Tsai also cited international support for Taiwan’s attendance at the assembly. She said, ‘Many countries support Taiwan’s participation and many have written to the WHA in hope that Taiwan can continue to participate. Taiwan’s participation in the WHA is not only a desire of the Taiwanese people, but the international community as well.’
The president made the remarks in an interview with Reuters on 27 April. In a tweet made after her remarks, the president reiterated, ‘Taiwan should not be excluded from WHA this year for any reason. Health issues don't stop at border & Taiwan's role is important to global health.’
