Taiwan’s incoming government has decided to attend this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer under the name “Chinese Taipei. The WHA is scheduled to be held in Geneva, beginning on May 23.
After a lengthy delay, the health ministry received a letter of invitation from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, which is the deadline for online registration. The invitation ended speculation that China was hoping to thwart Taiwan’s participation after the Taiwanese electorate earlier this year voted in a president who is seen as wary of China.
However, the invitation contains language that the incoming administration is not happy with, including references to the UN resolution that paved the way back in 1971 for the “China” seat in the UN to be taken from Taipei and given to Beijing.
Health Ministry spokesman Wang Che-chao said the government will make its stance clear in its response to the invitation.
“We will respect the incoming government’s stance and public opinion. We will put them together and map out a letter," said Wong.
The foreign ministry said the government has never acknowledged that Taiwan is part of China and is planning to lodge a protest.
This is the 8th year that Taiwan will be participating in the WHA as an observer. Officials in charge of epidemic prevention, food and drug inspection, and the health care system will attend the event.