Despite Taiwan’s assertion that support for its participation was growing, the World Health Organization (WHO) annual assembly decided not to extend an invitation to the island. China and Pakistan successfully urged members to reject Taiwan’s inclusion, while eSwatini and the Marshall Islands spoke in favor. Taiwan condemned the decision as “contemptible” and emphasized that China had no right to speak for the island. Taiwan’s foreign ministry stated, “Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent Taiwan’s 23 million people in the WHO and other international organizations and protect the health and human rights of the Taiwanese people.”

China, on the other hand, welcomed the decision and stated, “It fully shows that the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times in the international community and cannot be challenged in any way.” The Chinese foreign ministry urged certain countries to stop politicizing the health issue and interfering in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan issue.

The tensions between China and Taiwan revolve around China’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, considering it part of “one China.” Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims and asserts that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. This ongoing dispute leads to Taiwan’s exclusion from numerous international organizations, hindering its efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic effectively.

While recent events reaffirm China’s influence in preventing Taiwan’s participation in global bodies, Taiwan continues to assert its right to representation and highlight the need to address health issues collectively. The exclusion of Taiwan from the WHO assembly underscores the complex dynamics between China and Taiwan, with broader implications for global health cooperation. As Taiwan persists in its pursuit of international recognition, it remains committed to actively contributing to global health efforts and safeguarding the well-being of its population.