The MOFA condemns China in the strongest possible terms for blocking Taiwan’s participation in the 72nd WHA May 20-28 in Geneva. (Staff photo/Chin Hung-hao)

Beijing is condemned in the strongest possible terms for blocking Taiwan’s participation in the 72nd World Health Assembly on the basis of the “one China principle,” according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 6.
 
Forcing the World Health Organization to exclude Taiwan from the WHA runs counter to the principle set out in the U.N. agency’s constitution that enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental right of every human being, the MOFA said.
 
Such barbarian conduct blatantly ignores the health and well-being of the 23 million people of Taiwan, the ministry said, adding that it will only harden hearts and evoke public resentment.
 
The MOFA’s comments follow those by an official from Beijing citing the “one China principle” contained in U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the WHA Resolution 25.1 as grounds for Taiwan’s exclusion from the annual meeting of the WHO’s governing body May 20-28 in Geneva.
 
According to the ministry, Taiwan is internationally celebrated as a beacon of freedom, democracy and human rights. The country has never been governed by Beijing or fallen under its jurisdiction, the MOFA said.
 
Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan can represent the people and the country in international organizations, the ministry said, adding that this will never change, irrespective of bullying and the ongoing campaign of coercion from the other side of Taiwan Strait.
 
The MOFA urged like-minded countries to rally behind Taiwan as the government battles to give the people a voice in U.N.-affiliated organizations.
 
It is time for the international community to squarely face the evil nature of China’s government, the ministry said. Appeasement will only fuel its ambitions and lead to untold consequences, the MOFA added.
 
In a statement released the same day, the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council dismissed the official’s comments, particularly those stating Beijing places great value on ensuring the welfare of the people in Taiwan and has made proper arrangements regarding their participation in international health affairs.
 
Taiwan’s absence from activities, mechanisms and meetings of the WHO has created a breach in the global health network and undermined transnational efforts combating communicable diseases, the MAC said. The health rights of the entire human race must not be held hostage by China’s unjustified and unreasonable political position, the council added. (SFC-E)