Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu fields questions during an exclusive Fox News interview broadcast May 12 worldwide. (MOFA)

Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy and has the same right as any other country to apply for participation in the World Health Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu said May 12.

It is not right for Taiwan to be excluded from the WHA, Wu said. The country could have helped the world so much more in managing the COVID-19 pandemic if the World Health Organization had detected the situation and shared information earlier, he added.

Wu made the remarks during an interview with Martha MacCallum, host of Fox News’s “The Story.” It is his second appearance on the U.S. cable network since coronavirus was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

According to Wu, the government welcomes the support of the U.S. for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHO and related mechanisms. It also appreciates U.S. efforts in trying to encourage the international community to follow suit and ensure Taiwan has a voice in the U.N. specialized agency, he said.

It is a national inspiration in Taiwan to be able to participate in the WHO and its related activities so that Taiwan’s experience can be shared and the country can receive help when it is necessary, Wu added.

Wu also set the record straight on disinformation and misinformation relating to Taiwan’s bid to take part in the WHO. Taiwan is not part of China and its health needs are administered by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, he said, adding that claims to the contrary are a “lie.”

The WHA is the annual meeting of the governing body of the WHO. It usually takes place in Geneva, but the 73 edition will be held May 18-19 virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (TYT-E)