Appearing in Geneva on the Eve of WHA, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung States: 'Will Not Give Up Any Opportunity to Speak for Taiwan'
(CNA, Geneva, May 17, by Wu Po-wei) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has appeared in Geneva, marking the first time a foreign minister has visited during the WHA period.
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(CNA, Geneva, May 17, by Wu Po-wei) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has appeared in Geneva, marking the first time a foreign minister has visited during the WHA period. Lin stated that while participating in the WHO is the goal, the process of striving for participation also allows the world to see Taiwan. With many international health experts gathered in Geneva, he affirmed that no opportunity to speak up for Taiwan will be missed.
On the eve of the World Health Assembly (WHA), Lin Chia-lung arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the annual conference of the 'European Federation of Taiwanese Medical Associations,' a dinner with health ministers and permanent representatives of allied nations, and gave a joint interview to Taiwanese media on the evening of the 17th.
As the first foreign minister to visit Geneva during the WHA, Lin said that Taiwan's inability to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) is primarily due to China's diplomatic suppression. Therefore, it is not merely a global health issue but also a diplomatic one.
He stated, 'Taiwan's inability to join the WHO is unfair and a loss for the world; China is engaging in actions that harm others without benefiting itself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and China served as the best contrast.'
He said that through comprehensive diplomacy and innovative methods, such as co-organizing the 'Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Health Industry Exhibition' with the Ministry of Health and Welfare this year, he is promoting health diplomacy. This year's theme, 'Chip in with Taiwan,' has a dual meaning: 'Chip in' signifies working together, and it also refers to Taiwan using its chips (semiconductors) to help the WHO achieve its goals of 'leaving no one behind' and 'health for all.'
Lin believes that using exhibitions to facilitate side meetings is a very important model for promoting health diplomacy. In particular, smart healthcare and the health industry can become a model for presentation in various possible scenarios.
Lin stated that while participating in the WHO is the goal, the process of striving for it also allows the world to see Taiwan. With many countries' health experts gathered in Geneva, he will not give up any opportunity to speak for Taiwan.
In Taiwan's advocacy efforts, civil society groups, overseas Taiwanese communities, and students are a crucial force. This year, a parade supporting Taiwan's participation in the WHA was also held outside the venue, with over a hundred participants.
Lin expressed his gratitude for the dedication and efforts of these groups, noting their persistent and unwavering commitment. He stated that these activities are not just 'once a year' but happen 365 days a year, with the WHA serving as a showcase for their results.
He said the comprehensive diplomacy now being promoted involves public-private partnerships, which include inter-ministerial cooperation within the government as well as collaboration with private professional groups and various social forces.
Following the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, there are concerns that China's influence may increase, potentially affecting Taiwan's international participation. Taiwanese media have focused on whether this assembly will be used to seek alliances with like-minded countries and arrange bilateral or multilateral talks.
Lin explained that although the Trump administration withdrew from the WHO, the U.S. still strongly supports Taiwan's bid to join international organizations, including the WHO. Furthermore, countries like Japan, the UK, and France are also actively helping to promote Taiwan's inclusion. Therefore, international support has not diminished due to the U.S. withdrawal.
Lin believes that the WHO's refusal to let Taiwan participate highlights its violation of its founding principles. Taiwan should not give up on itself. If it can participate, it is good for the world; if not, it can still forge its own path. 'Taiwan's semiconductors, AI, freedom, and democracy are all things that the world can affirm. Which of these did not break through the CCP's blockade to reach the world?' (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150518
On the eve of the World Health Assembly (WHA), Lin Chia-lung arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the annual conference of the 'European Federation of Taiwanese Medical Associations,' a dinner with health ministers and permanent representatives of allied nations, and gave a joint interview to Taiwanese media on the evening of the 17th.
As the first foreign minister to visit Geneva during the WHA, Lin said that Taiwan's inability to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) is primarily due to China's diplomatic suppression. Therefore, it is not merely a global health issue but also a diplomatic one.
He stated, 'Taiwan's inability to join the WHO is unfair and a loss for the world; China is engaging in actions that harm others without benefiting itself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and China served as the best contrast.'
He said that through comprehensive diplomacy and innovative methods, such as co-organizing the 'Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Health Industry Exhibition' with the Ministry of Health and Welfare this year, he is promoting health diplomacy. This year's theme, 'Chip in with Taiwan,' has a dual meaning: 'Chip in' signifies working together, and it also refers to Taiwan using its chips (semiconductors) to help the WHO achieve its goals of 'leaving no one behind' and 'health for all.'
Lin believes that using exhibitions to facilitate side meetings is a very important model for promoting health diplomacy. In particular, smart healthcare and the health industry can become a model for presentation in various possible scenarios.
Lin stated that while participating in the WHO is the goal, the process of striving for it also allows the world to see Taiwan. With many countries' health experts gathered in Geneva, he will not give up any opportunity to speak for Taiwan.
In Taiwan's advocacy efforts, civil society groups, overseas Taiwanese communities, and students are a crucial force. This year, a parade supporting Taiwan's participation in the WHA was also held outside the venue, with over a hundred participants.
Lin expressed his gratitude for the dedication and efforts of these groups, noting their persistent and unwavering commitment. He stated that these activities are not just 'once a year' but happen 365 days a year, with the WHA serving as a showcase for their results.
He said the comprehensive diplomacy now being promoted involves public-private partnerships, which include inter-ministerial cooperation within the government as well as collaboration with private professional groups and various social forces.
Following the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, there are concerns that China's influence may increase, potentially affecting Taiwan's international participation. Taiwanese media have focused on whether this assembly will be used to seek alliances with like-minded countries and arrange bilateral or multilateral talks.
Lin explained that although the Trump administration withdrew from the WHO, the U.S. still strongly supports Taiwan's bid to join international organizations, including the WHO. Furthermore, countries like Japan, the UK, and France are also actively helping to promote Taiwan's inclusion. Therefore, international support has not diminished due to the U.S. withdrawal.
Lin believes that the WHO's refusal to let Taiwan participate highlights its violation of its founding principles. Taiwan should not give up on itself. If it can participate, it is good for the world; if not, it can still forge its own path. 'Taiwan's semiconductors, AI, freedom, and democracy are all things that the world can affirm. Which of these did not break through the CCP's blockade to reach the world?' (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150518