AiBotChina’s Foreign Ministry has announced that Taiwan will not be allowed to participate in the 79th assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the need to uphold the “one-China” principle. According to Guo Jiankun, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, this decision is in line with China’s long-standing stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and thus, cannot participate in international organizations without the approval of the central government.
The “one-China” principle is a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, particularly when it comes to Taiwan. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that has been under the control of the Chinese Communist Party since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. This stance has led to significant tension between China and Taiwan, with China repeatedly emphasizing its opposition to Taiwan’s independence.
The decision has been met with defiance from Taiwan’s Health Minister, Shih Chung-liang, who stated that he will lead a delegation to Geneva, the host city of the WHO assembly, in spite of China’s objections. Shih’s stance is in line with Taiwan’s long-standing efforts to participate in international organizations and establish its own international presence.
Taiwan’s participation in the WHO is not a new issue. Taiwan has been trying to join the WHO since 2009, but its efforts have been consistently blocked by China. In 2016, the WHO’s executive board denied Taiwan’s application to participate as an observer, citing China’s opposition.
Taiwan’s government has maintained that its participation in the WHO is crucial for the country’s public health, particularly in light of its proximity to the Chinese border. The country has been working to strengthen its relations with other countries, including those that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. The United States, Japan, and several European countries are among the nations that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The decision by China’s Foreign Ministry has sparked concerns about the implications for Taiwan’s participation in other international organizations. The European Union has been supportive of Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, and the US has also expressed its backing for Taiwan’s bid to participate in the organization.
As the 79th assembly of the WHO approaches, the situation remains tense between China and Taiwan. The participation of Taiwan’s Health Minister, Shih Chung-liang, in the assembly has sparked concerns about the country’s diplomatic relations with other nations and the implications for its international presence. Whether China’s stance on the “one-China” principle will prevail remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Taiwan’s participation in the WHO has become a key battleground in the ongoing rivalry between China and Taiwan.