The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened in Geneva on Monday, local time, where Taiwan's bid to participate as an observer was once again blocked. Following a two-on-two debate between Taiwan’s allies Belize and Saint Vincent, against China and Pakistan, the WHA president ruled not to include the proposal to invite Taiwan to attend as an observer on this year’s agenda.

China cited U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 to claim that China fully represents Taiwan, asserting that any discussion of Taiwan’s participation constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs. 

In response, Taiwan’s Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) expressed gratitude to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and said following previous years, a protest letter was submitted regarding the decision. He reiterates that China has never governed Taiwan for even a single day and that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. He says that this proves that China has no right to restrict Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.  

Despite the setback, international support for Taiwan grew. Japan, Germany, and France voiced backing during their opening remarks. Japan’s State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Hirobumi Niki highlighted Taiwan’s public health achievements and warned against excluding regions from global disease containment efforts. Germany’s Federal Health Minister Nina Warken said everyone is needed, including Taiwan’s expertise, to realize this year’s WHA theme, One World for Health. France’s Health Minister Yannick Neuder endorsed Taiwan’s participation.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry also urged the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat not to allow China’s political interference to block Taiwan. It said that the G7, the EU, the European Parliament, executive and legislative bodies of more than 50 countries, and diplomatic missions in Taiwan have all expressed support for Taiwan’s participation.