May 22, 2018
No. 117
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely thanks the 15 diplomatic allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan) that submitted a proposal urging the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in the 71st World Health Assembly, which commenced on May 21 in Geneva, Switzerland.
MOFA also conveys its appreciation to four diplomatic allies—Eswatini, Marshall Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Solomon Islands—for speaking up for Taiwan during the two-on-two debates held at the WHA General Committee and plenary session.
Although the aforementioned proposal was not included in the WHA agenda, the clear and well-reasoned statements made by the health ministers of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies on the legitimacy and necessity of Taiwan’s participation have enhanced international understanding of the situation.
Taiwan’s diplomatic allies argued against applying UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, WHA Resolution 25.1, and the “one China principle” to the issue, emphasizing that the resolutions are neither relevant to Taiwan’s professional participation in the WHA nor give China the right to represent the 23 million people of Taiwan. MOFA urges WHO to firmly maintain its professionalism, fulfill its responsibility to ensure global health security, recognize that health—not politics—is its priority mission, and incorporate Taiwan into the world’s health security network.
China’s claims that it ensures the Taiwanese people’s right to health and that there are no obstacles for Taiwan to participate in WHO technical meetings run contrary to the facts. Health is a universal and fundamental human right; it is not a privilege that is accorded by differentiating between people. Political differences across the Taiwan Strait should not serve as an excuse for excluding Taiwan from participating in the WHA.
Honduras—a diplomatic ally—and like-minded countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States have either directly or indirectly expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, fully demonstrating that WHO’s refusal to invite Taiwan on political grounds is absurd and unreasonable. Their endorsements underscore the fact that global health security requires close cooperation and mutual assistance, and highlight the need for all nations and peoples to be included in the global health system.
MOFA reiterates that only the democratically elected government of Taiwan can represent its 23 million people and be responsible for safeguarding their rights to health. It calls on WHO to adhere to the spirit of its Constitution and invite Taiwan to attend the WHA.
The R.O.C. government is very grateful for all the support extended to Taiwan in various forms this year by diplomatic allies and like-minded countries. Taiwan will continue to pursue equal and dignified participation in the WHA and work in concerted effort with its diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to protect global health security. (E)