In a huge setback for Taiwan, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday decided to not extend its invitation to the island nation as a separate entity for the annual assembly in Geneva despite its assertion that support was growing for its participation.
According to a Reuters report, the annual assembly will take place from May 21 to May 30 in Geneva. China and Pakistan had urged WHO to reject Taiwan's inclusion while eSwatini and the Marshall Islands spoke in favour.
China claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan – officially known as the Republic of China – and says the island is not a separate country but governed by Beijing. As a result, Taiwan is often excluded from many international organisations.
China welcomes WHO decision
"This fully shows that the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times in the international community and cannot be challenged in any way," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.
It added that nearly 100 countries expressed their adherence to the one-China principle and their opposition to Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly in special letters and statements sent to WHO before the opening ceremony.
The ministry also urged certain countries not to pretend to be confused or politicise the health issue and stop the erroneous practice of using “Taiwan to control China”. It asked countries to stop interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan issue.
While Taiwan is allowed to attend some technical WHO meetings, it has claimed that its exclusion from the WHO hindered efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
