The foreign ministry has called on the WHO to support Taiwan’s bid to join the World Health Assembly as an observer.
The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the WHO. It is set to hold its annual meeting in mid-May, this time online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan has been barred from attending the assembly’s meetings for several years due to pressure from China.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou said on Thursday that several countries have spoken in favor of Taiwan’s bid, including the United States.
Ou said that the government will continue working with the United States and other friendly nations to promote the security and right to health of all people. Ou also thanked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for speaking out for Taiwan. Earlier, Pompeo said that WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has the right to invite Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly meeting.
Ou also said that Taiwanese diplomatic allies eSwatini, the Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, Palau, and Saint Lucia have put forward a proposal for Taiwan’s inclusion.