China denounces support for Taiwan from US and other WHO members

The Chinese envoy denounced support shown from the United States and other countries for Taiwan on Tuesday to the World Health Organization (WHO) at the annual ministerial assembly, according to Reuters.

Taiwan made an effort to join in as an observer for the virtual meeting and had the support of the US, Japan among others but claims it could not be included because of China’s opposition.

“There are still a few countries determined to plead for Taiwan authorities, seriously violating relevant UN and WHO resolutions and undermining global anti-epidemic efforts,” said Chinese ambassador Chen Xu at the virtual assembly.

“China solemnly protests and firmly opposes this behaviour.”

Taiwan is not included in United Nations organizations like the WHO because of China’s objections. China thinks of Taiwan as a breakaway province that does not have the same rights as a sovereign state.

The WHO says that UN protocol is stopping the organization from allowing Taiwan access to meetings but members can decide to let them do so.

Taiwan’s exclusion was protested by many delegates—one of them being Howard Solomon, a senior US diplomat. Paraguay and Haiti did the same.

Chen referred to the comments as “political hype” and said, “This conduct is not acceptable.”

On Wednesday, Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwanese president will announce that the island plans to continue working to join global bodies regardless of the current situation with the WHO.