U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul is calling for bipartisan support for Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). McCaul’s statement comes in an op-ed published in the newspaper The Hill on Tuesday.
McCaul says that it is “unconscionable” that the WHO is caving to pressure from the CCP to silence Taiwan in this important event. He also says China did not disclose accurate information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
McCaul adds Taiwan’s response to the pandemic exemplified its expertise in global health. He says Taiwan’s personal protective equipment donations to countries around the world and its informative updates on the virus have greatly benefited global health.
McCaul also calls on the Biden administration, including the U.S. State Department, to make efforts through diplomatic engagements, multilateral meetings, and documents to ensure that Taiwan has a voice on the international stage.
McCaul’s comment comes after the United Nations denied two Taiwanese reporters’ press credentials to cover the ongoing WHA in Geneva.
Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement urging the WHO to invite Taiwan to the annual gathering as an observer. Blinken says Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA unjustified and undermines global public health security.