US Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra says that Taiwan must be allowed to take part in the World Health Assembly as an observer. He was speaking Tuesday during an address to the 74th World Health Assembly.
“Global collaboration will be key in tackling the many challenges still before us. Collaboration with non-state actors must continue, and we must invite Taiwan to be a part of the World Health Assembly as an observer,” he said.
The US, Japan, Canada, and other like-minded countries also spoke in favor of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA. Canadian Health Minister Patty Hadju said that many countries have contributed to global health, including Taiwan, and they should be given the opportunity to participate.
Japanese Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Norihisa Tamura said that the assembly should look at models in fighting COVID-19, such as Taiwan, to deal with the issue of global infectious diseases. He said that keeping the global health system free of holes is the only way to prevent the global spread of infections.
The UK and Australia also mentioned the importance of including Taiwan in the WHA.
Taiwan’s diplomatic allies proposed that the issue of Taiwan’s participation be included on the WHA agenda, but this proposal did not make it on the final agenda due to opposition from China.
This is the fifth consecutive year Taiwan has not been able to take part in the WHA due to opposition from China. The 74th World Health Assembly is taking place virtually from May 24 to June 1.