Support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the meetings, mechanisms and activities of the WHO is strong and clear among the country’s allies and like-minded partners. (MOFA)

The staunch support of allies and like-minded partners for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, is sincerely appreciated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 23.

According to the MOFA, Guatemala’s representatives voiced support for Taiwan’s WHA bid in the 76th session’s general debate May 22, calling Taiwan a key partner in the global public health community.

The backing followed remarks by representatives of Belize, Nauru, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Marshall Islands in favor of Taiwan’s observer status, the MOFA said, adding that the allies rebutted the erroneous interpretation of U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 made by Chinese and Pakistani representatives a day earlier.

Similar sentiments were expressed by representatives from like-minded partners such as Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Czech Republic, the U.K. and the U.S., the MOFA said. Describing Taiwan as a model in public health, they called for the country’s inclusion in the international health network and its engagement in the WHO and WHA as an observer, the ministry added.

The MOFA additionally condemns China’s false claim that Taiwan is able to engage in timely information exchanges with the WHO during public health emergencies. The remarks were refuted by the U.S., which stated that Taiwan’s successful pandemic management shows it deserves a seat at the table and that the U.S. firmly supports its meaningful participation in international organizations like the WHO.

The government and people of Taiwan are encouraged by growing backing from officials and friends worldwide, the MOFA said, adding that the country is committed to working with international partners in the spirit of pragmatism, professionalism and willingness to contribute to global health security.

The ministry urged the WHO to reject China’s pressure and deception and instead heed the international call. The global body must allow Taiwan to take part in its meetings, mechanisms and activities in order to fulfill its mandate of Health for All, it said. (YCH-E)