President Tsai Ing-wen has invited 22 people who have contributed to Taiwan’s fight against COVID-19 to her inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.
Tsai is set to take the oath of office for a second time. Due to precautions aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19, this year’s inauguration ceremony will be scaled back, with only about 200 attendees. These include foreign representatives in Taiwan, city and county leaders, and party representatives. Tsai has added the 22 healthcare heroes to the guest list in recognition of their contributions.
While extending the invitation to the 22 on Tuesday, Tsai also protested Taiwan’s continued exclusion from the World Health Assembly. She noted Taiwan’s achievements in combatting COVID-19 and its sharing of medical supplies and experience with other countries. She said that the politically-motivated exclusion of Taiwan from the World Health Assembly is detrimental to the interests of the international community.
The WHO’s governing body is wrapping up its annual meeting, with Taiwan excluded for a fourth year due to Chinese pressure. The health ministry and foreign ministry are working to restore Taiwan’s observer status ahead of discussions on Taiwan’s participation expected later in the year.