Will the World Health Organization appease China’s political agenda at the expense of public health and international values?

A total of 17 diplomatic allies, six like-minded countries and an observer organization issued direct and indirect statements of support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the 71st World Health Assembly during their addresses at the annual meeting running May 21-26 in Geneva.

Expressions of support for Taiwan’s inclusion and calls for a seamless global health network at the 71st World Health Assembly are appreciated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister without Portfolio and Chief Negotiator John C.C. Deng on Wednesday led a delegation to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) 24th Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in the Papua New Guinea capital of Port Moresby, according to the Executive Yuan Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN). Chief Negotiator Deng will take the opportunity to exchange opinions on trade and economic issues in the Asia-Pacific with trade ministers from other APEC member economies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely thanks the 15 diplomatic allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan) that submitted a proposal urging the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in the 71st World Health Assembly, which commenced on May 21 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese language versions of the Taiwan Today news website were launched May 21 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The staunch support of diplomatic allies for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly is deeply appreciated by the government and people, and reflects widespread backing in the international community for the nation’s meaningful participation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 21.

The majority of people in Taiwan support the government’s cross-strait policies and disapprove of Beijing’s military threats and efforts to suppress the country’s international space, according to a poll released May 17 by the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council.

The prestigious Diplomat of the Global Charter award was bestowed upon Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung May 19 in Geneva for his efforts in promoting health equality and the National Health Insurance system.

The denial of access for Taiwan journalists to the 71st World Health Assembly May 21-26 in Geneva is strongly protested and condemned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.