China Obstructs Taiwan's WHA Participation; Ministry of Foreign Affairs Calls on WHO to Reject Political Interference
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly urged the WHO to reject political interference and invite Taiwan as an observer, in response to China's obstruction of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA). Taiwan emphasized its status as a sovereign independent state, not subordinate to China.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 14:53
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 15:02 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 13, 2026 at 04:39 (13h 37m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Taipei, May 12, CNA reporter Wu Shu-wei) The World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to commence on the 18th. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated yesterday that China disagrees with Taiwan's participation in this year's WHA. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to uphold neutrality and professionalism, reject China's political interference, and promptly invite Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a regular press conference this morning, inviting Deputy Director-General Chang Chih-sa of the Department of International Organizations to give a briefing on related affairs.
Chang Chih-sa stated that in response to the erroneous remarks made yesterday by the spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which suppressed Taiwan's sovereignty, improperly cited its so-called 'One China Principle,' and falsely claimed that Taiwan's participation in international organizations must be approved by its central government to obstruct Taiwan's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its solemn and strong protest and condemnation.
Chang Chih-sa pointed out that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign independent state, not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. This is the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan enjoys the right to participate in the United Nations and related multilateral mechanisms and international organizations. China has no right to comment or obstruct.
Chang Chih-sa mentioned that after the end of World War II, the 'San Francisco Peace Treaty,' which has the force of international law, replaced political statements such as the 'Cairo Declaration' and the 'Potsdam Proclamation.' The San Francisco Peace Treaty did not cede Taiwan to the People's Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan. Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China, which is beyond doubt.
Chang Chih-sa explained that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has undergone political liberalization and democratic transformation, holding eight direct presidential elections, and legislators are also directly elected by the people. Taiwan's participation in international organizations is based on its legitimate and lawful right to sovereignty. Only Taiwan's democratically elected government can represent the Taiwanese people in the international community and multilateral mechanisms.
Chang Chih-sa stated that health is a fundamental human right and should not be subject to political interference. Taiwan has made many significant contributions to the international community in epidemic prevention and public health systems, which is globally recognized. It is an indispensable and benevolent partner in the global health system. Taiwan's efforts to participate in the WHA for many years have gained support from numerous countries, and many like-minded countries have also expressed their support for Taiwan's international participation and WHA participation on various occasions.
Chang Chih-sa pointed out that China's obstruction of Taiwan's participation in the WHA again for political reasons has actually severely damaged the health rights of all humanity. This also violates the core principle of 'leaving no one behind' advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that neither UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 nor WHA Resolution 25.1 mentions Taiwan, nor can they be used to exclude Taiwan's participation in international organizations and the UN system.
Chang Chih-sa mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the WHO Secretariat to uphold neutral professionalism, reject China's political interference, and promptly invite Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer, allowing Taiwan to truly contribute to the global medical and health system. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150512
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(Taipei, May 12, CNA reporter Wu Shu-wei) The World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to commence on the 18th. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated yesterday that China disagrees with Taiwan's participation in this year's WHA. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to uphold neutrality and professionalism, reject China's political interference, and promptly invite Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a regular press conference this morning, inviting Deputy Director-General Chang Chih-sa of the Department of International Organizations to give a briefing on related affairs.
Chang Chih-sa stated that in response to the erroneous remarks made yesterday by the spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which suppressed Taiwan's sovereignty, improperly cited its so-called 'One China Principle,' and falsely claimed that Taiwan's participation in international organizations must be approved by its central government to obstruct Taiwan's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its solemn and strong protest and condemnation.
Chang Chih-sa pointed out that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign independent state, not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. This is the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan enjoys the right to participate in the United Nations and related multilateral mechanisms and international organizations. China has no right to comment or obstruct.
Chang Chih-sa mentioned that after the end of World War II, the 'San Francisco Peace Treaty,' which has the force of international law, replaced political statements such as the 'Cairo Declaration' and the 'Potsdam Proclamation.' The San Francisco Peace Treaty did not cede Taiwan to the People's Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan. Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China, which is beyond doubt.
Chang Chih-sa explained that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has undergone political liberalization and democratic transformation, holding eight direct presidential elections, and legislators are also directly elected by the people. Taiwan's participation in international organizations is based on its legitimate and lawful right to sovereignty. Only Taiwan's democratically elected government can represent the Taiwanese people in the international community and multilateral mechanisms.
Chang Chih-sa stated that health is a fundamental human right and should not be subject to political interference. Taiwan has made many significant contributions to the international community in epidemic prevention and public health systems, which is globally recognized. It is an indispensable and benevolent partner in the global health system. Taiwan's efforts to participate in the WHA for many years have gained support from numerous countries, and many like-minded countries have also expressed their support for Taiwan's international participation and WHA participation on various occasions.
Chang Chih-sa pointed out that China's obstruction of Taiwan's participation in the WHA again for political reasons has actually severely damaged the health rights of all humanity. This also violates the core principle of 'leaving no one behind' advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that neither UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 nor WHA Resolution 25.1 mentions Taiwan, nor can they be used to exclude Taiwan's participation in international organizations and the UN system.
Chang Chih-sa mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the WHO Secretariat to uphold neutral professionalism, reject China's political interference, and promptly invite Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer, allowing Taiwan to truly contribute to the global medical and health system. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.