Taiwan said it has not received an invitation to the 79th World Health Assembly, marking the 10th straight year it has been left out as the meeting opens on May 18 in Geneva. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on May 11 that Beijing opposed Taiwan's participation this year to uphold the “one China” principle, according to the reports. [1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 8, 10]
Taiwan's foreign ministry responded on May 12 that China was using politics to block Taiwan's participation, and said health is a basic human right that should not be subject to political interference. The ministry also said the Republic of China Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, separate from the People's Republic of China, and has the right to take part in the United Nations and related multilateral bodies. [1, 11, 12, 8, 10]
The European Union said Taiwan should be allowed to take part in the international system when this fits an organization's rules or practice, and said it does not recognise or adopt China's claimed “one China” principle. [2]
Taiwan is pressing its case in Geneva with side events around the WHA, including a world health action forum and, for the first time, a Taiwan smart medicine and health industry exhibition with more than 30 exhibitors. The Foundation of Taiwan's Medical Alliance said it will hold 4 pre-trip forums. [4, 5, 6, 9]
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said he was planning to travel to Geneva with Health Minister Shih Chung-liang and said he would make a further announcement if there was a concrete result. The WHA is scheduled to open on May 18. [3, 4, 5, 6, 9]
