The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), which was founded in 1948. The WHA’s annual meeting is attended by all member countries and focuses on a specific health agenda each year. The WHA also determines policy, appoints the director-general, supervises financial policies, and approves the program budget.
Taiwan was member of the WHO for almost a quarter of a century before its UN seat was taken by China in 1971. UN Resolution 2758, passed that same year, replaced the Republic of China (ROC) with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a permanent member of the Security Council. The ROC is Taiwan’s official name.
Over the past few decades, Taiwan has been barred from formally joining international organizations due to opposition from China, including the WHO. Most countries around the world uphold the “one China” principle whereby China considers Taiwan part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than 60 years.
Since 2009, Taiwan has attended the WHA as an observer under the name “Chinese Taipei.” The move was widely seen as a result of warmer cross-strait ties after President Ma Ying-jeou was elected the previous year.
In this year’s letter of invitation to Taiwan, WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan began by “recalling” the spirit of the “one China” principle stated in Resolution 2758. It is believed the language was aimed at sending a warning to Tsai Ing-wen, who will take office as Taiwan’s president on May 20 and whom Beijing mistrusts.
The incoming government said Taiwan’s participation in international organizations should not be constrained by any political framework, particularly when it comes to health, a basic human right.