COVID-19: Taiwan says 'not yet' received invite for key WHO meeting
04 May, 2020
Taiwan has "not yet" received an invitation to a gathering this month of the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, but will strive take part, the government said on Monday (May 4).
Taiwan's exclusion from WHO membership, due to objections from China, which considers the island among its provinces, has infuriated Taipei, which says its exclusion has created a glaring gap in the global fight against the coronavirus.
The United States has supported Taiwan's participation at the assembly as an observer, increasing tension with China over its handling of the brand new coronavirus.
Taiwan attended the assembly as an observer from 2009 to 2016 when Taipei-Beijing relations warmed, but China blocked further participation following the election of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who China views as a separatist. She rejects that label.
The WHO said last week the assembly will need place practically from May 18.
Taiwan foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the federal government had "not yet received an invitation from WHO" and was "still awaiting it" so a delegation could attend as an observer and share the island's experience in fighting the outbreak.
Taiwan has reported far fewer cases of the new coronavirus than a lot of its neighbours, due to early and effective detection and prevention work.
"Although the existing situation we are facing continues to be very difficult, the federal government will never quit, and can join with allies and countries with similar ideals to keep to strive before last moment," Ou said, discussing efforts to take part in the meeting.
The WHO didn't immediately respond to a obtain comment.
The federal government and diplomatic sources have said Taiwan's chances of taking part are incredibly slim due to China's position.
Medical ministers of Taiwan and america discussed Taiwan's bid to become listed on the assembly the other day.
China says Taiwan can only just be a part of the WHO under Beijing's "one China" policy, in which Taiwan would need to accept that it is part of China, something Tsai's government will not do.
In a statement on Saturday, China's mission in Geneva, where the Who's based, expressed strong opposition to the Taiwan-US call the other day.
"The Taiwan region is part of China. The Taiwan region's participation in international bodies, like the activities of the WHO, should be handled relative to the 'one China' principle," it said.
Beijing has repeatedly condemned Washington for wanting to "politicise" the issue of Taiwan's participation at the WHO, and both China and the WHO say Taiwan has been given the help and information it needs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Taiwan says it has only received limited information and that the WHO ignored its initial enquiries about the outbreak.
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