China’s representative has left this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) without meeting with Taiwan’s health minister and his delegation. This is the first time in four years that the two sides have not met on the sidelines of the WHA forum.
Interaction between delegations from the two sides has been limited to a handshake and a brief exchange between Lin and the Chinese representative at the forum.
China has been firm about holding talks with Taiwan only when it acknowledges the principal “One China”, a concept that the new Tsai administration has so far avoided discussing. China’s cancellation of the annual meeting at the WHA forum is seen as its first step in cutting off communications with Taiwan.
In an address to the assembly on Wednesday, Health Minister Lin Tzou-yien urged members to continue supporting Taiwan's participation in the WHA forum as an observer.