On 10 February, UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon issued a statement in the House of Lords expressing support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations. The Minister expressed the UK’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations where it can make a valuable contribution. Commenting on Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Lord Ahmad stated “Taiwan’s contribution to these organisations is important and that it has a vital role to play.”
In addition, the Minister stressed the government continues to support representations that the UK Department of Health has made directly in lobbying for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organisation, adding that “we are also working with like-minded countries, including the United States and Australia, to ensure that, at the World Health Assembly which takes place in May this year, Taiwan is represented. The Minister’s statement was issued in response to questions raised by Baroness Falkner of Margravine on 10 February about the UK government’s policy towards Taiwan, and in particular on security and international engagement issues. Responding to further questions on the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s statement of congratulations to the people of Taiwan upon its successful elections on 11 January, Lord Ahmad stressed the importance of recognising Taiwan’s democratic process. He also lauded progress in Taiwan-UK relations, citing the rising level of trade, with UK exports to Taiwan growing 40.8% last year.
