Despite not receiving an official invitation to participate in the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) to be held in Geneva from May 19 to 27, Taiwan has announced it will send a WHA Action Team to the event, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to international public health cooperation.
Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) addressed the issue during a legislative committee meeting on Thursday. He emphasized Taiwan’s world-class healthcare system, its track record of humanitarian aid, and its continued support for equitable health access. “Global health should transcend politics,” Chiu said, reiterating a common stance held by Taiwan amid long-standing diplomatic isolation.
🧠 Context & Political Backdrop:
Since 2017, Taiwan has been excluded from WHA participation—even as an observer under the name “Chinese Taipei”—due to growing political pressure from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC claims sovereignty over Taiwan, despite never governing the island, and leverages its influence over international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) to block Taiwan’s inclusion.
On April 29, the PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office again asserted that Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had eliminated the political foundation for WHA inclusion by refusing to accept the “1992 Consensus,” a political term implying both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to “one China.”
💬 Taiwan’s Global Health Credentials:
Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its value to the global public health community:
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan earned international praise for swift containment, transparent data sharing, and donations of PPE to dozens of countries.
- Taiwan’s health system was ranked among the best in the world by Numbeo and Health Care Index ratings.
- Taiwan has extended medical assistance to nations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, particularly through its TaiwanICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund).
By sending a WHA Action Team, Taiwan aims to network with delegations, promote health diplomacy, and participate in parallel events held during the WHA week, even if technically outside the official conference venue.
🌐 International Reactions:
- United States, Japan, and several European countries have repeatedly expressed support for Taiwan’s WHA inclusion.
- Health experts globally have called Taiwan’s exclusion a risk to global health security, especially in cross-border disease prevention and response.
- Aerial messages and public rallies calling for Taiwan’s inclusion have also been organized abroad, including a banner plane over Oakland International Airport in California.
🤝 A Call Beyond Politics:
Minister Chiu said that defining “inside” and “outside” the WHA venue is secondary to Taiwan’s goal of “showcasing our high-quality medical capabilities and compassion.” He affirmed that Taiwan would continue to engage with overseas Taiwanese communities, stakeholders, and global health actors regardless of the political obstacles.
Taiwan’s WHA Action Team serves as a symbol of resilience and dedication to contributing to a global cause, and sends a clear message: Health is a universal right, not a political bargaining chip.
🔍 FAQs
Why hasn’t Taiwan been invited to the WHA?
Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA since 2017 due to pressure from the PRC, which opposes Taiwan’s international participation unless it accepts the “one China” framework.
What is the WHA Action Team?
It’s a group of Taiwanese medical professionals and diplomats who attend events surrounding the WHA to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion and share its healthcare achievements.
How has Taiwan contributed to global health?
Through epidemic response leadership, humanitarian aid, and international health cooperation programs via organizations like TaiwanICDF.
Does any country support Taiwan’s participation?
Yes, countries like the U.S., Japan, Canada, and several EU nations have publicly endorsed Taiwan’s bid to join the WHA as an observer.
What is the 1992 Consensus?
It’s a political term implying that both sides of the Taiwan Strait agree there’s “one China,” but with different interpretations. Taiwan’s current government does not recognize it.
