The United States is showing continued support for Taiwan’s participation at this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) through official statements made by U.S. officials and representatives. The assembly commenced on May 21 in Geneva, Switzerland, and Taiwan was denied access for the seventh consecutive year.
China criticized the countries supporting Taiwan on the second day of the WHA, saying the act of supporting Taiwan’s participation violated relevant United Nations resolutions and the one-China policy. However, representatives from the U.S. rebutted China’s remarks, stating that the COVID-19 pandemic has proved the urgency for the WHO to include all stakeholders.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra says the world must bring together all crucial parties. He says this is why the U.S. continues to strongly support Taiwan's meaningful participation at the WHA and the WHO.
Earlier this month, the U.S. also showed support for Taiwan. This includes the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement on May 9, and a press release from the American Institute in Taiwan on May 18. This is the third consecutive year the U.S. is issuing statements of support for Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) says Taiwan will continue to work with its diplomatic allies and like-minded nations to build a more resilient global health network. The ministry also urges the WHO to live up to its goal of “Health for All.”