With no invitation for Taiwan to attend this year’s 70th WHA, Taiwan’s diplomatic allies across the world have sent letters to Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, requesting that a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer is included in the Assembly’s agenda. The initiative is based on protecting not just the right to health of Taiwan’s citizens, but the health and welfare of all people worldwide.
Taiwan has also received support from likeminded countries, including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. On 9 May, the spokesperson at the US Department of State’s Bureau for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Grace Choi said ‘the United States recognises Taiwan’s continued leadership on global health issues and continues to strongly support Taiwan’s participation as an observer at the WHA.’ On the same day, Japanese government spokesman and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said ‘we feel Taiwan’s participation in the WHA in some form is desirable in order to strengthen (the world’s) response to dangers to public health. The government has consistently supported (Taiwan’s) participation as an observer and there is no need to change that.’
In the UK, Lord Steel of Aikwood has sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Health, calling on the British government’s support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA. Canadian Senator Peter Handler also voiced his support in a parliament session, stating that Canada has consistently supported Taiwan’s participation in international organisations where ‘there is a practical imperative and where Taiwanese absence would be detrimental to global interests.’
The government of Taiwan appreciates the support from worldwide allies and continues to urge the WHO and its members to recognise its importance as an indispensable part of the disease prevention system, to respect the health of its 23 million people, and to support its participation in the WHA.
