U.S. persists in advocating for Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) meetings.
In a recent turn of events, the US remains resolute in advocating for Taiwan's significant role in the World Health Organization (WHO), despite its impending withdrawal from the global health body. During a round of Executive Board meetings in February, the US vocalized its support for Taiwan, urging WHO member states to back its meaningful participation, even as an observer at the World Health Assembly (WHA), as reported by the Central News Agency.
A US Department of State spokesperson recognized Taiwan as a reliable and capable global partner, highlighting the positive impact of its collaborations, particularly those that boost global health security. This stance reflects the US' ongoing commitment to pushing for Taiwan's involvement in international organizations, including the WHO.
This push aligns with the broader US policy aiming to strengthen Taiwan's international engagement, as detailed in legislative measures such as the Taiwan Policy Act (TPA). The TPA encourages normalized diplomatic contact and Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
As the world prepares for the WHA meeting scheduled from May 19 to 27 in Geneva, Switzerland, the US maintains its stance, reaffirming its support for Taiwan's active participation in the WHA, despite its plans to withdraw from the WHO in January next year.
Historically, Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, left the WHO in 1972. Since then, due to Chinese pressure, Taiwan has been unable to attend the WHA, even as an observer, except for the period between 2009 and 2016 when relations with China were warmer and Beijing supported Taiwan's participation. Since 2017, Taiwan has been working closely with its diplomatic allies and friendly nations, including the US, Japan, and the EU, to advance its bid for WHA participation, without success thus far.
So, while the US charts a new course with its planned withdrawal from the WHO, it continues to champion Taiwan's global role, particularly in health governance. It's a fascinating dance of diplomacy and global health politics, isn't it?
- Amidst the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 to 27, the United States persists in advocating for Taiwan's active participation, despite its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January next year.
- The US Department of State officially acknowledges Taiwan as a dedicated and capable global partner, emphasizing the benefits of joint eff triangle efforts, particularly those that enhance global health security.
- This advocacy aligns with the US's broader policy, as laid out in legislative measures such as the Taiwan Policy Act (TPA), which encourages normalized diplomatic contact and Taiwan's involvement in international organizations.
- In light of Taiwan's inability to attend the WHA, even as an observer, due to Chinese pressure since 1972 when Taiwan formally left the WHO, the US has been collaborating closely with Taiwan, Japan, the EU, and other allies to advance Taiwan's bid for WHA participation in international politics and health governance.
