International Desk: The General Committee and the plenary session of the 79th World Health Assembly have decided not to include a proposal calling for Taiwan’s participation in the Assembly as an observer on its agenda. This marks the tenth consecutive year that Taiwan-related proposals have been rejected at the World Health Assembly.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in Beijing on Monday that China’s position on the participation of Taiwan in the activities of international organizations, including the World Health Assembly, remains consistent and clear. He emphasized that such participation must adhere to the One-China principle, which is supported by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1.

The spokesperson stated that, without the authorization of the central government of China, Taiwan has no legal basis, right, or qualification to participate in the World Health Assembly. He added that the authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan have persisted in separatist activities, thereby undermining the political foundation for Taiwan’s participation in the Assembly.

He further noted that the Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of people in Taiwan. Under the One-China principle, appropriate arrangements have been made to ensure Taiwan’s participation in global health affairs. Taiwanese medical and health experts are able to take part in WHO technical meetings.

According to the spokesperson, last year China approved the participation of 18 Taiwanese experts in WHO-related technical activities, including immunization strategy, vaccine development, mental health, and digital health programs. He also noted that established communication mechanisms exist between Taiwan and relevant international health channels, allowing timely access to global public health information and reporting of disease outbreaks.

He added that a well-functioning information exchange system between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan on infectious disease prevention and control is in place, along with regular professional forums for hospital administrators.

The spokesperson criticized certain countries for what he described as political manipulation under the guise of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, stating that China’s practical arrangements better serve the health interests of people in Taiwan.

He further said that the DPP authorities and a few countries have distorted UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in an attempt to challenge the One-China principle, which he described as a violation of China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as a challenge to international consensus and justice.

He added that China’s position on rejecting Taiwan’s inclusion in this year’s World Health Assembly has received broad international support, with many countries reaffirming their commitment to UNGA Resolution 2758 and the One-China principle, and opposing Taiwan’s participation in the WHA.

According to him, this reflects that the One-China principle represents the prevailing international consensus and remains widely upheld by the international community.

Source: Anupama- Alim-Shishir,China Media Group (CMG)